Ben Rowland, age 81, of Lafayette, Indiana, formerly of Jackson, Ohio, passed away Thursday, January 7, 2016, surrounded by his family, at IU Health Arnett Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana.
Ben was born October 24, 1934, in Liberty Township, Jackson, Ohio, to the late James R. and Lillian (Eubanks) Rowland. He grew up in Jackson and graduated from Jackson High School in 1954. Ben attended Ohio State University and later Franklin University. He served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Ben spent most of his life in the lumber industry which led him to upstate New York for a few years. After returning to Jackson, Ohio, he worked in lumber production with different companies before becoming a senior forestry instructor for several years at the Buckeye Hills Career Center. In later years he was self-employed as a lumber wholesaler and home improvement contractor with his company Rowland Lumber. Ben enjoyed working on many different projects, especially woodworking and kettle corn. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Jackson, Ohio.
Ben is survived by his wife of 27 years, Cindy (White) Rowland, formerly of Jackson, Ohio. Also surviving are his three sons, Tom (Laura) Rowland of Caledonia, Ohio, Chuck Rowland of Rural Retreat, Virginia, and Benjamin Rowland of Lafayette, Indiana; two grandsons, Luke Rowland and Seth Rowland, both of Marion, Ohio; and two great-grandsons.
In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by two brothers, Roger Rowland and his twin brother, Bob Rowland.
In keeping with Ben’s wishes, there will be no service. Inurnment will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Jackson, Ohio, at a later date. For those who wish, memorial contributions in Ben’s name may be made to the American Heart Association or your local humane society. Sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com