L. Dennis Rowan, 84, of Gap Mills, passed away Thursday, Apr. 17, 2025, in his home. He was the son of the late Otey Claude Rowan and the late Lola Dennis Rowan.
Dennis was a college professor, sheep farmer and co-founder of Psalm 23 Camp. He developed an interest in agriculture as he grew up on the family farm. This led to his study at three universities where he obtained B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in animal sciences.
He taught university for 11 years before returning to the home farm in 1982 to raise sheep. His head knowledge about sheep was then enhanced with heart knowledge as he spent much time studying the Bible, managing his sheep flock and seeking God in prayer.
He and his wife Glenda founded Psalm 23 Camp on their farm in 1985 where part of the emphasis was on sheep/shepherd relationships. In 1993, they started Servants At Work (SAW) as an outreach to local people and to missionaries in Central America.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister Claudene Rowan Weekly and her husband Richard Weekly.
He is survived by his wife Glenda Martin Rowan of Gap Mills; son, Dennis Scott Rowan of Wheeling; son, Mark Steven Rowan and wife Jennifer Lee Rowan of Virginia Beach, VA, and their children: Elena Kay, Cassia, Josiah and Adalyn; son, Michael Thomas Lloyd and wife Kitty Premoe Lloyd of Harrisonville, MO, and their children: Sidney Lloyd Olson (John Paul Olson) and Lia Lloyd Leenhouts (Mikah Leenhouts) and their grandchildren Noah, Judah and Emilia; daughter, Michelle Lloyd Miller and husband Joel E. Miller of McKinney, TX, and their children: Jewel, Levi, Asa and Sky and grandchild Caspian; daughter, Meredith Lloyd Taitano and husband David A. Taitano Jr. of Winter Springs, FL, and their children Mitchell Taitano (Melissa Woodford Taitano) and Derek Taitano (Amber Armstrong Taitano) and grandchild Haven; niece, Jan Weekly Ellis and husband Paul Ellis of Bristol, VA, and their children Nichole and Joshua and grandchild Bella; niece, Brenda Weekly of Wheeling, and her children Ashley Hoffpauir (Travis Kinney) and Rachel Hoffpauir.
“We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 5:8
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Those wishing to send online condolences or would like to sign the online guestbook, please do so by visiting www.groves-mann.com. Arrangements by Groves-Mann Funeral Home, Union, WV.
