Ernest Laverne Rowell, “Ernie”, 94, of Prince Frederick, Maryland passed away on April 6, 2024 at his home. He was born on April 10 1929 in Horry County SC to the late Charlie L. and Annie Janie Rowell. He grew up on the farmlands of SC where his father taught him a strong work ethic. The strong faith in Jesus that he shared all of his life was instilled in him by his mother. The combination of these two things made him the man we all knew and loved.
Ernie went into the Navy when he was 17 years old. He met his wife Violette when he was stationed at Solomons. They spent 67 years together until she preceded him in death in 2015.
His priorities were God first, family, and then work. He was a founding member of First Baptist Church of Calvert County where he was always active as a deacon or Sunday School teacher. He worked hard to build a good life for his family. He worked several places in his younger years. His trade was a Butcher but he retired from SMECO after 27 years as office manager there. He built a family business (Rowell’s Butcher Shop) in his garage where he would process deer for the hunters, and beef and hogs for the local farmers. Children, grandchildren, and greatgrandchildren worked alongside him there as they learned his work ethics and the trade that he loved so much.
He loved living on German Chapel Road and often said it was the most beautiful place on earth.
He was well known, respected and loved here in Calvert County.
His advice was always on point because it was based on scripture. He shared his love for the Lord until the very end of his life here on earth.
Ernie is survived by his children; Bonnie Blackwell, Debbie Weimert (Ron), Marilyn Harkey (Henry Guyther), Lisa Rowell and John Darnell. Brother of Elizabeth Mincey, Hubert Rowell and Keats Rowell, Grandfather of Shawne O’Berry, Jenny Ferreria, Kaley Blackwell, Kevin Weimert, Darrin Weimert, Krystal Federici, Jeffrey Weimert, Jessica Morgan, Adrienne Harkey, Lacey Weston and Ashley Lawrence, he is also survived by 26 Great Grandchildren and 5 Great Great Grandchildren. Ernie was preceded in death by children Vernie Reed, Ernie Rowell, Jr., Darrell Caudill and Calvin Darnell and Grandchildren Shayna O’Berry and Joseph Shepherd.
His family will always remember his great sense of humor and the example he set for all of us. He was our rock and he will be deeply missed.
Paula Snell Walter
April 30 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
Sincere condolences to all the Rowell family……Ernie was a good man & neighbor to our family/parents Dale & Helen Snell. Blessings to the Rowell family……. Pam, Paula, Ena Carol & Gary Dale Snell
Peter & Mary Siegert
April 15 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
Went by his house on many occasions to see him and to have meat cut and wrapped. My wife and I knew Vernie very well. She was a very sweet person and we miss her. Mr. Rowell was always a gentlemen and was always extremely helpful when we needed his help. He is the John Wayne type , there will never ever be another like him. He is where he wants to be in Gods arms.
Sharon Lucas
April 15 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
A finer man never lived. I knew Ernie when he was the butcher at St. Leonard, bought all of my meat from him. R.I.P Ernie
Ed Lucas
Susan and Douglas Hance
April 14 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
We were very sorry to hear about Mr. Rowell’s passing. He was Doulas’ neighbor on German Chapel Road during the whole time he lived at home with parents Gourley and Daisy Hance and of course, Shirley. I have many memories of him working in the butcher shop over the years. He was a fixture in the neighborhood and at his church. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Rowell family at this time. He lived a long and productive life and he will be missed by many.
Krystal
April 14 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
Pop-Pop held my hand and helped me through the early years of my life. I was blessed and honored to hold his hand and take him through the last few days of his. I feel sorry for anyone who did not have him as a grandfather. He was an active part of each of his grandchildren’s life to the end of his. What he wanted everyone to know the most was “Always put God first. Live for God. There IS a God! There IS a God and he loves you very much.” He proclaimed that in the face of death and passed from this world into heaven with the most peace I have ever experienced in my life. I will never forget him and the lessons, advice, and example he gave us.
Steve Walker
April 14 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
My condolences to the Rowell family.
Mr. Rowell was always a pleasure to talk to.
I have been a customer at the butcher shop for many years. He will be missed.
Sincerely,
Steve Walker
Page Bowen
April 11 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
Ernie what a good friend to have I worked with Ernie on my first job in the old A@P in prince frederick will be missed but not fore gotten REP
Jack and Linda DeSando
April 11 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
We are truly blessed to have known such a wonderful man. Ernie loved the Lord wholeheartedly. He served faithfully and prayed fervently for family and friends. Always a source of encouragement to those in need. Touching so many lives. He will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Theresa Monnett Trott
April 10 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
Our Deepest Condolence to Bonnie, Debbie, and Marilyn, Lisa and the rest of Ernie’s family. Bob worked with him for 27 years at SMECO and would find himself calling him Pops. Ernie had a warm smile and a beautiful heart that instantly made all he met feel comfortable. With Bob having a Taxidermy business…he was almost always in constant contact with Ernie especially during deer hunting season. Bob would pick up some donuts and take them down and him and Ernie would just sit and talk and at the Sportsman Banquet. Ernie always had us sit with him at his table. We will truly miss those special times with you.
Melvin A Norris
April 10 – Obituary: Ernest Laverne Rowell, Sr., “Ernie”
Bonnie,
Please accept my most sincere condolences on the passing of your Father. With warmest regards, your classmate…
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