Robert Rowland

Robert Hodge Rowland, 82, of Hot Springs, formerly of Pine Bluff, died Friday, Dec. 15, 2017. He was born Nov. 23, 1935 in Pine Bluff, son of Elmo and Annie Noe Rowland. Mr. Rowland was reared and received his early education in Pine Bluff, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1954. He earned his degree from Monticello A&M (now University of Arkansas at Monticello). Robert worked in manufacturing for many years, including Varco-Pruden, and retired from Strong Manufacturing in sales. While living in Pine Bluff, he was a member of Watson Chapel Baptist Church. After moving to Hot Springs, Robert moved his membership to First Baptist Church of Hot Springs. He enjoyed hunting and fishing. Robert was preceded in death by his first wife, Jimmie Nell Price Rowland; and his parents. Survivors include his wife, Anna Williams Slaten Rowland, whom he married July 11, 2008 in Pine Bluff; two daughters, Lori Lynn Aureli (Roger) of Sheridan and Leah Rowland Pondrom of New Iberia, La.; two step-daughters, Suzanne Hall (Wesley) of Hot Springs and Lori Slaten of North Little Rock; brother, David Rowland of Weatherford, Texas; sister, Amelia Lais of Oregon; grandson, Branden Pondrom; and two step-grandchildren, John Stephen Hall and Hannah Grace Hall. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Monday, Dec. 18, 2017 at Watson Chapel Baptist Church with Reverend Todd Howard officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. until service time at Watson Chapel Baptist Church. Memorials may be made to Watson Chapel Baptist Church, 5514 Pinnacle Lane, Pine Bluff, AR 71603; First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.