Douglas Madison Rowlett

Douglas M. Rowlett, 85, went to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Monday, April 16, 2012. He was born on October 17, 1926 in Victoria, TX to Robert Bruce, Jr. and Lyda V. Powell Rowlett. After graduation from Waco High School, Doug proudly served his country in the United States Air Corps from 1944-45. He married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn Ruth Wooldridge, on February 22, 1946. He went on to attend The University of Texas at Austin until he and his father began the family business, Cherokee Hatchery Co., Inc. in Owentown.

Mr. Rowlett served three terms as president of the Texas Poultry and Improvement Association between 1969 and 1981. In 1982, he served as President of the Texas Poultry Federation, and as State Vice-President of the Southeastern Poultry and Egg Association from 1983-1984. After the closure of the family business in 1986, he went to work for Avian Farms International, Inc. in November 1987 as a favor to a close friend. This temporary favor turned into a four-year project that grew and expanded their business.

One phase of the poultry business that he was little known for was his work for many years with FFA boys and girls who grew chickens as their project for state and county fairs. This was not very profitable money-wise, but working with the agriculture teachers and students was certainly gratifying.

In his free time, Doug could be found hunting, fishing, or piloting the skies in his plane. Because of his love of flying, he was an interested and active member in the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum (HAMM) at Tyler Pounds Regional Airport. He was also a Master Mason for more than 50 years. He was a longtime member of Green Acres Baptist Church and of the Timothy Sunday School Class in Tyler until his illness.

Doug is survived by his wife of 66 years, Evelyn, of Tyler; one daughter, Carol Selman, and husband, Bruce, of Nacogdoches; one son, Chris N. Rowlett, and wife, Gala, of Dallas; grandchildren, Stephen Selman and wife, Mindi; Adam Selman and wife, Kathleen; great-grandchildren, Landon Richeson, Reagan Selman, and Hudson Selman; and sister-in-law, Jean F. Rowlett of Bartlesville, OK. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his brother, Robert Bruce Rowlett, III.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Culpepper, Ron Gammell, Bill Pitts, John Belcher, Clyde Davenport, Glen Uzzel, Ken Dance, and C. D. Adams.

Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 18, 2012 from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Lloyd James Funeral Home. Services for Mr. Rowlett will be held at 10:30 A.M., Thursday, April 19, 2012 at the funeral home with Dr. Darryle Dunks officiating. Private graveside services will be held.

If desired, memorials may be sent to The Historic Aviation Memorial Museum, 150 Airport Dr. Box 2-7, Tyler, TX 75704 or the charity of your choice.