Donald "Keith" Rowland

Donald Keith Rowland, 89, of DeFuniak Springs, passed away Wednesday, May 23, after a brief illness.

Mr. Rowland was born in Lake Wales, Florida on March 29, 1929, to Charles and Ruth Rowland. After high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force, saw combat in the Korean War and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant.

After serving in the military, Mr. Rowland became a radio announcer and worked at various broadcast stations throughout the South. Mr. Rowland eventually returned to military duty as a member of the U.S. Air Force Reserves and served as a recruiter. Following that stint, he launched an advertising agency and continued to be active in radio broadcasting.

He earned his Bachelor’s degree and later a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Columbus College, in Columbus, GA.

Later, he and wife Sharon moved to DeFuniak Springs and both worked for DeVry University in student recruitment, until their retirement, when they moved to Snellville, Ga. After her passing in 2001, Mr. Rowland moved back to DeFuniak Springs and worked at TV24 and then WZEP.

Mr. Rowland enjoyed classical music, reading and gathering with friends and family.

Donald Keith Rowland is survived by a son, Erik Rowland and wife Jean of Lithia Springs, Ga., granddaughter Michelle Rowland, of Norcross, GA., and one sister, Joyce Ramona Rowland, of Lake Wales, FL.

He is predeceased by his wife, Sharon Kay Rowland, and a sister Peggy R. Cleveland, of Edgewater, FL.

A private service for the family will be held at Davis Watkins Funeral Home in DeFuniak Springs on Saturday, May 26, 2018.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.daviswatkins.com.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home.