Keith Rowley

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    Alan Keith Rowley, age 86, passed away October 23, 2022. He was born on August 19, 1936 in a small two room log cabin on the land his parents, Ralph Nephi and Carrie Elizabeth Lindsay Rowley homesteaded on the Lake Fork River near Moon Lake, Utah. They lived at the Ranch during the warm months and in Mountain Home during the cold months. When the Ranch was sold in 1942 the family moved to Duchesne, Utah where Keith was able to attend the schools there. He loved living in Duchesne.
    As a young man Keith was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to the Navajo people in New Mexico and Arizona. Later in life He and Barbara served another mission, again with the Navajo people near Monument Valley. Serving these missions changed his life forever. He loved the Native American people wherever he went and has many dear friends who have loved and supported him throughout his entire life.
    On June 5, 1959 Keith married Barbara Mae Mecham in the Salt Lake Temple. They first lived in Brigham City, Utah where Keith was employed with an engineering company. After three years and three boys they moved back to Duchesne where they lived the rest of their lives. In a few short years three girls were born, followed by another boy. These seven children were the pride and joy of his life. Keith and Barbara were wonderful parents. They were the kind of parents that every child deserves. Countless adventures and experiences at home and in the mountains helped develop a bond and love for one another. When grandchildren began to come along, the joy and happiness only grew more and more. Many a family party and reunion were spent with much laughter and tears. Family was definitely the center of their lives. He loved nature, animals, the mountains and being outdoors, whether hunting, fishing, cutting wood or just enjoying the earth.
    Keith worked several jobs to support his family. For years he worked in the Duchesne Post Office serving the people of Duchesne. He was a surveyor for a time. He was the custodian for the LDS Chapel in Duchesne. He worked for the State Road dept. For many years he served as the Justice of the Peace in Duchesne county. He was a long-time member of the Duchesne Search and Rescue and one of the first volunteer EMTs in Duchesne. He also had a mail route to Tabiona, Hanna and Fruitland that he drove for many years.  Everywhere he went he was known as a person who served and helped others. Much of his service to others was done in secret and in a way where no one would ever know. That’s the way he was.

    Keith loved his country and had a flag pole in his yard most everywhere he lived. One of his dreams was to see a large flag flying on the hill south of Duchesne, the city he loved. In July of 2021, through his hard work and determination he was able to see that flag raised. It is a symbol of his love for his country and of his city. He took great pride in that flag and considered it one of his greatest accomplishment.
    Keith had a strong testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ. He strived to pattern his life after him. He was an example of service and kindness to those around him. He loved the Book of Mormon and often shared his testimony of it to others whenever he could. At one point he had collected a copy of The Book of Mormon in every language it was translated into, including the Navajo language, which he loved.
    Keith is survived by his children; Shane (Dalene), Provo; Kevin (Maylene), Duchesne; Rodney (Gini), Duchesne; Teresa Liddell, Myton; Rochelle (Bill) Prince, Rincon, Georgia; Jana (Richie)  Burdick, Tremonton; Brandon (Toni), Duchesne; brother Stephen Rowley, Duchesne. 40 grandchildren, 48 great grandchildren (3 on the way).
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Barbara; son in-law Ray Liddell; brothers Stanley and Ralph Richard; sisters Edna, Cleo and Verna; and grandchildren Lily, Dason, Casey, Allen.
    Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 27, 2022, at 12:00 noon at the Duchesne Stake Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 910 North 500 East, Duchesne, Utah. There will be a viewing on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the Hullinger Mortuary in Roosevelt (457 East 300 North) and then on Thursday from 9:30-11:45 at the church.
    Burial will be in the Duchesne City Cemetery.  
    In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Duchesne City Flag maintenance fund by contacting Duchesne City Offices.