William Thomas “Bill” “Sonny” Rowley passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, February 05, 2015, in Wellersburg.

He was born on July 10, 1930, son of William and Hazel (Kennell) Rowley, grandson of Ward K. Kennell who raised him.  He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Trevor Rowley.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Althea “Pete” (Thompson) Rowley who he married on June 30, 1954; sons Darrell Thomas and wife Lisa of Wellersburg, and William Eric and wife Jill of Finzel, MD; grandchildren Erica Rowley of Rockville, MD, Matthew William Rowley and LaTisha Edgar of Finzel, and Claire Rowley of Wellersburg, and his canine companions Allie and Tasha.

He was a 1949 graduate of Beall High school.  Shortly after leaving high school he enlisted in the Marine Corp and served with honor in Japan during the Korean Conflict.  He came home from Japan and was employed at the Celanese as a truck driver for 23 years.  He founded Plank Road Carpets in 1972.  Upon the closing of the Celanese he was co-owner of Row-Dom Trucking Company.  He was one of the founding members of the Wellersburg Fire Department and also served during their weekly chicken fry fund raiser and was the coordinator and pyrotechnician for the annual 4th of July celebration.  He was one of the oldest persons to receive his pilot’s license at the Cumberland Airport at age 64 and served as president of the Allegany Flying Club.  He also served as a trustee for the Cook Cemetery Association, the family cemetery, and served on the Wellersburg Borough Council.  He was most proud of his service of driving the Veterans medical van to Martinsburg, WV, having driven 60,000 over 15 years.  He was a hunter and fisherman, a life member of the NRA, a member of the International Benchrest Shooters Association where he was the 200 yard National Champion in 1994, and enjoyed the Friday night shooting matches at the Sculton Rod and Gun Club with his kids and friends.

Known as Yea Yea to his grandchildren, he delighted in them and was never hesitant to impart his wisdom upon them.  He always had a project under way whether it was putting together a tractor, sauerkraut making, building a pond or causing mischief. He hosted an annual apple butter boil but said that “the apple butter was just a bi-product of the day”, that it was all about family and friends.  He spent his final days “holding court” – many of his close friends coming to share old stories and adventures.

Friends will be received at the Harvey H. Zeigler Funeral Home, Inc., 169 Clarence Street, Hyndman on Sunday from 2 to 4 & 7 to 9 p.m.

 A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Monday at 11 a.m. with Pastor Ken Korns officiating.

 Burial will follow at Cooks Cemetery with:  Matthew Rowley, Darby Gnagy, Timmy Emerick, Terry Logsdon, Leo Shinholtz, and Jon Witt. Serving as pallbearers Honorary pallbearers are Earl Wahl and Terry Malone. Military honors by the Mountainside Marine Detachment and the FT Bedford Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Wellersburg District Volunteer Fire Department, 125 Fire Hall Road, Hyndman 15545.