Charley Rowles

Charley Rowles, age 79, a resident of rural Portland, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019, at his home in rural Portland.  

Charley was born on Sept. 14, 1939, in Jay County, the son of Russell and Bertha (Orr) Rowles. He graduated from Poling High School in 1957.

Charley was a volunteer for the Pennville Fire Department, served as deputy marshall of Pennville, worked at Edger Mertz and was co-owner of B&R Kitchen in Pennville.

Charley enjoyed racing and served on the pit crew for Don Rowles from 1969 to 1973. He enjoyed watching races at Montpelier Motor Speedway. 

Survivors include:

His caretakers — Alan and Brenda Rowles, rural Portland, Indiana 

Three sons — Brent Rowles (wife: Micheal), Indianapolis, Indiana, Brian Rowles (wife: Penny), Midland, Michigan, and Chad Rowles (wife: Rebecca), Salamonia, Indiana 

One brother — Don Rowles (wife: Kathy), Portland, Indiana 

Several grandchildren and great-grandchildren

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Bertha Rowles; one brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Linda Rowles; a nephew, Richard Rowles; and a niece, Sandy Rowles. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday from noon to 2 p.m. at Williamson-Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home in Portland. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Pastor Earl Doll will officiate the service and burial will follow at Center Cemetery, west of Portland. 

Memorials may be directed towards the Jay Community Center Boys and Girls Clubs. 

Condolences may be expressed at williamsonspencer.com.