Y. Preston Rowan

Young Preston Rowan, husband to Lisa Young Rowan; father to Forrest and Sybil; son of Thomas “Doc” and Nannette Stewart Rowan; brother to Woodson, Nan, Margaret and Vivian; cousin, uncle and friend to many, passed away on November 14, 2017 after walking this earth for 57 years. His passing was sudden, but he was doing what he loved the most—riding his bicycle. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00p.m. on Friday, November 17 at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home – Bryan. Memorial services will be at 11:00a.m. on Saturday, November 18 at First Baptist Church – College Station.

Preston summarized his life simply, “Born…Trusted Christ…Got Married…Children…Everything Else…” and his simple life was filled with everything he could grasp. Preston was born on June 8, 1960 in Temple, Texas and resided in College Station since 1993. “Everything else” was a life filled with joy, laughter, sorrow, and tears, but always with a smile and recognition that life is good and God is in control. Preston was a child of God whose life rested on the hope that he now enjoys in God’s glory with his father, Doc; nephew, Matthew; and the countless friends and family he touched who were waiting for him there.

Preston graduated from Temple High School in 1978, where he excelled in football, Student Body President and relationships. Preston attended Baylor University and earned a degree in Economics from Hankamer School of Business in 1982. A proud member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and a staunch Bears fan whose hope for Baylor football was unending even during a winless season (The future’s so bright, I gotta wear shades. #Sicem). Preston’s indomitable impression upon his world continued uninterrupted and always with his laughing smile and genuine desire to know who you are. One of his favorite quotes, “What? Me Worry?” by Alfred E. Newman, summed up Preston’s approach to life, after Sybil graduated from high school. His faith in God was strong and his love for his family infinite.

Preston met Lisa in Temple, Texas and they were married on December 26, 1986. Preston would say that Lisa was the love of his life and he proved that to his last day by his deep affection and commitment to her and their marriage of 30 years. On many cool Fall evenings Preston would start a fire in their backyard chimenea and invite Lisa to just sit and enjoy it together or drive his 4-wheeler thousands of miles over rough, South Texas terrain so she could photograph just the right wildflowers in season.

Preston loved riding one of his bicycles almost every day of his life. Not content with ordinary commuter cycling, Preston always challenged himself and anyone fit enough to keep up with him to go a little further, a little steeper or just slow enough to get to know his riding partner better. Preston was a cyclist’s cyclist, ever ready to clip in and go, stop to help change a flat, or enjoy retelling the latest biking adventure wherever the ride that day ended. One of his sayings was, “Fast cyclists make slower ones look better. You’re welcome.” He was indeed fast to greet you warmly when you first clipped into your pedals and to hug you tightly after a long day on the saddle together. He was always ready for the next ride and next relationship. One look into Preston’s eyes and a firm handshake told you that he truly wanted to know you for who you were. He was the best there was.

The Rowans Roost in South Texas was Preston’s home away from home. Purchased in 1970 by his beloved father, Doc, the Roost captivated Preston in a way only some can truly understand. Whether tracking his beloved hunting dogs, Kate and Missy, in search of the next covey of quail; smoking a pork shoulder for 9 hours over mesquite wood from Woodson’s fire pit; capturing the beauty of the Spring wildflowers with Lisa; or just sitting on the back porch watching the spectacular sunsets from his four-wheeler, Preston loved that place he had always known but could never get enough of and his family and numerous friends who were always invited to come, stay and experience a unique sense of peace not easily found. Unless you did something stupid to deserve a dreaded “LT” (Last Trip), like shooting a trophy buck reserved for Doc. The Roost was wild, untamed and fit the adventurer’s side of Preston for 47 years, where he joyfully taught his own son, Forrest, the ways of the land.

Preston was missed from the moment he left us and our hearts will always be filled with his presence. Preston is survived by wife, Lisa; son and daughter-in-law, Forrest Rowan and Ashby; daughter, Sybil; mother, Nannette Stewart Rowan; Siblings, Woodson Rowan (Sherry) of Lubbock, Nan Gunter (John) of Dallas, Margaret Davis (Phil) of Fort Worth, Vivian Norment (Russell) of Fort Worth; and more family and friends than can easily be counted.

Contributions can be made to the Preston Rowan fund at Prosperity Bank.

Condolences

  1. Lisa, Sybil and Forrest

    I was so sad to hear about Preston. His spirit touched and blessed so many. Such a great guy. Thank you for sharing him with Troy and me. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

    Melissa Walden

  2. Lisa,Sybil and Forrest,
    We are so very sad to hear of Preston’s sudden passing. He was truly a special man and a such a joy to all who knew him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
    Larry,Donna,Jess & Josh Dangott

  3. The Rynearsons lost a great family friend this week. My best friend Preston was always there for me — never more than when my father passed away last year. Our friendship began in junior high, continued through HS and college, and was forever cemented on the dozen or more canoe trips he took with me and my family in the BWCA and Quetico wilderness. Last year, thankfully, Preston & Lisa were able to spend a week with my wife Jean and me here in the Pacific Northwest where we told stories, shared bad jokes, and laughed harder and more often than any of us had in years. We also spent a great weekend recently in College Station with similar results. I’ll miss Preston every day, but will embrace his memory whenever I think of the best times of my life. Jean and I love you, Lisa, and will see you soon.

  4. I so sorry for your loss. Last I saw Preston was in the pitch black pre-dawn on I&GN Road, heading toward me on his bike looking like an oncoming freight train. He had pistons for legs and was never short of breath – or something to say! He casually rode all of our legs off, but always left us feeling good about ourselves… an authentic, good-natured, intelligent, God-loving man.

  5. My deepest prayers and condolences to the Rowan family. It was an honor to have Preston as not only a boss, but a dear friend ❤ He was one of a kind & no one can come close to filling his shoes. He was a great, Godly man that’ll forever be Loved & missed.

  6. My heart is sad. I am still shocked and cannot imagine the lost and pain his wonderful family is feeling. Knowing Preston, since Bonham days, leaves me full of memories. His smile, laughter and ease was with everyone. I could not imagine anyone more perfect for Preston than Lisa. Lisa, too, was always smiling. Her sweet heart and kindness was what I remembered each time I was with her. They were a perfect partnership. I am thankful to have seen their children on FB as you could see the pride in faces.

    We were all blessed with Preston’s warmth and presence on earth. My heart breaks for Lisa and all the Rowans. Prayers are with all of you.

  7. We are so very sorry for your loss. We last saw Preston as a preschooler as we traveled through Texas on our way home to Memphis. To be able to read about Preston’s wonderful life was a humbling experience; and his faith in Christ. Please tell Nanette that Uncle Ray (brother of Clyde) , Josephine, Jackie & our families offer our deepest condolences.

  8. We are so very sorry for your loss. Preston was an amazing man that I am glad to have had the opportunity to work with and call a friend. Lisa, Sybil and Forrest you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

  9. Preston was my friend through my older brother, Jim. My best memories of him are from our canoe trips in Canada. You could count on Captain Preston for a laugh or a great story whether we were paddling across a lake, finishing up a long portage, or sitting around the campfire. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

  10. This beautiful writing captures Preston’s infectious joy. I grieve with and for his entire family -those I have loved all my life and those I have never met. My prayers join so many others for God to grant you all peace in this time of creating a new sense of normal.
    I love you all, meg

  11. Lisa and family- I don’t have to tell you how special Preston was. Everyone really gets it. Although we haven’t spent much time together lately Lisa, I ALWAYS looked forward to running into you both. He had that effect on people. He was a light that everyone liked to have shining on their day. That positive attitude and smile touched so many and I am so very sorry he is gone. He’s gone way too soon. Hold your heads up.

  12. Lisa, I am so sorry about Preston. He is in such a better place even though he will be missed. God wrap his arms around you and give you strength and peace. Prayers to the Rowan family.

  13. Lisa Gay, my heart aches for your loss. The widows walk is one only you can travel, lean on the support of others and do not hesitate to ask for help. My prayers for you and your children during this difficult time.

  14. Lisa and family,
    My condolences to you and your family.
    I am saddened by the lost of a good friend. I don’t know what happened or why , but I do know that Preston was a beautiful person . He truly loved his family . May God bless his soul and bless you all. He will be missed .

  15. Lisa, my heartfelt grief for you and the kids. Although I did not know Preston long, he always seemed to me to the carefree person that we all aspire to be. To die while riding is fitting, but no less of a tragedy. My thoughts an prayers are with you and for you and yours.

  16. I knew Preston only through our association during canoe trips to the Boundary
    Waters, but I was always grateful for his laid–back companionship and willingness to assist a “geezer”. My heartfelt condolences to his family, who are devastated at
    his untimely loss. May his soul rest in peace and his memory reside forever in the
    hearts of those who knew and loved him.

  17. I knew Preston only through our association during canoe trips in Canada, but I was
    always grateful for his humor, easy companionship and willing assistance to a “geezer”. My heartfelt condolences to his Family. May his soul rest in peace, and
    his memory reside forever in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

  18. My heart is so sad to hear of Preston passing. The tribute to Preston’s life and video is so touching. My prayers are with Lisa and their beautiful family. May God’s peace and comfort be with you at this time!

  19. Preston was a friend of mine going back to high school. But it was after high school when I got to know him better on a hiking trip to Colorado. Preston caught a nice trout on the first day to kick off a good trip. Later we spent time together on a canoe trip. I can picture us sitting on a cliff overlooking a beautiful Canadian lake at sunset. Preston loved the outdoors. I wish we could have done more of that together. I will miss him greatly.

  20. Dear Lisa, Sybil and Forrest,

    Our hearts and prayers have gone out to you and on your behalf. May God grant you His Peace during this time. We love you guys and our Brantley/Stafford lives are richer from knowing Preston and you all.
    With love,
    Roy Brantley

  21. Dearest Lisa, Sybil and Forrest,

    Still can’t believe the news. Preston was a force of nature whom we all thought would go on forever. Still remember his ready smile and quick wit, the hunter ready to share some deer sausage and chili, and the cyclist anticipating his next ride. I was blessed to know him here and look forward to renewing our friendship in Heaven.

    Love and Prayers,
    Pam Mayfield

  22. I have nothing but great memories of Preston. I think it’s because we understood each other’s sense of humor. I appreciated him for that. Never did I have a conversation with him that I did not — at some moment —- laugh out loud. And for that reason alone, I will miss him greatly —- just as you will. “When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him lies on the paths of men.” Because Preston is with the Lord, Who is undoubtedly rewarding for a life well-lived, his light and legacy lies in you … Lisa, Sybil and Forrest. I am thinking of you all right now and praying that you find peace from the One with Whom Preston now lives eternally.

  23. Lisa, Forrest, Sible, Family
    So sorry to hear about this news. Always thought a lot of Preston and the Rowan Family. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family. His spirit will always surround us in positive ways.

  24. Dear Lisa, Forrest, and Sybil,

    We are so sorry to hear about Preston’s passing. Having known him from childhood and from having him as a roommate at Baylor, I knew Preston as a man of interesting insight and strong opinions. He was always able to offer a new perspective to a problem or adventure. Our condolences during this difficult time.

    Roy and Eva Strasburger

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