Bert Rownd

W.E. "Bert" Rownd was born on January 8, 1922 in Ethel, Arkansas to W.E. "Earl" and Carrie Noble Rownd. He passed away on December 14, 2014 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Louise Rownd Hambrick. Bert grew up in DeWitt, Arkansas, graduating from high school at the age of 16. He served in both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Navy during World War II. He married Ellen Sue Rogers on April 5, 1946 and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1950. Upon graduation, he began his 34 year career with the Arkansas State Highway Department, beginning in Bridge Design and ending his career as State Maintenance Engineer. Bert was an active member of Geyer Springs United Methodist Church and continued to serve as a greeter. Bert loved sports and was influential in the lives of many young men, first as a baseball coach for teams from Little League through American Legion baseball. He was instrumental in the building of Illing Baseball Field in southwest Little Rock. In his later years, he followed his grandsons' teams as an avid supporter. His love of hunting and fishing was passed on to his grandchildren, as he patiently baited hooks and paddled the boat. He spent many hours in the duck blind with his son and grandsons. His hard work ethic and "can-do" attitude will live on in his family. Surviving him are his wife, Sue, son, Ed (Bonita) Rownd of Jacksonville, daughter, Carolyn (Lee) Francis of Naples, Florida, and daughter, Judy (Jeff) Garner of Little Rock. He is also survived by six grandchildren, Eric (Jennifer) Rownd of Cabot, Jake Rownd of Jacksonville, Katie (Rick) Wood of Benton, Laura Garner of Berkeley, California, Annalea Garner and Kevin Garner of Little Rock. Bert had seven great-grandchildren who brought him much joy; Jordan, Hayden, Makenzie, and Ainsley Wood of Benton, and Madison, William, and Parker Rownd of Cabot. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be Thursday, December 18, 2014 at Geyer Springs United Methodist Church at 1 p.m, Burial to follow at Rest Hills Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Geyer Springs United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's Association. Please leave the family your condolences at Bert's online guestbook at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.