Wendell Eugene Rowley, 82, of Dunbar, passed away Thursday, September 1, 2011, at his home.

He was born March 27, 1929 to Robert and Della Lathey Rowley. At the age of 4 weeks his mother died and he was raised by his mother's brother and his wife, Oris and Lucy Lathey. He worked at Gravely Tractor Co. until the company moved to North Carolina and he retired from Republic Steel in 1991. He then worked many years as a self-employed painting contractor. Mr. Rowley was a faithful member of the Dunbar First Church of God.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oris and Lucy Lathey, a brother, Junior Lathey and a sister, Geraldine Burton.

He was united in marriage to Macel Morrison and to this union was born three sons, Randall Eugene "Randy" Rowley and his wife, Kim, Stephen DeWayne Rowley and his wife, Bonnie and Kevin Edward Rowley and his wife, Jill. Also surviving are sisters and brothers, Genevieve Carney, Audry Caruthers, Beulah Lewis, Peter Rowley, Anderson Rowley, Ruth Ann Miner and Correen Hall; grandchildren, Kristi Dillon and husband, Jeremy, Brent Rowley, Andrew Rowley and wife, Deanna, Sutton Rowley, Sarah, Corey and Gracelyn Rowley; great grandchildren, Noah, Jeremiah and Zeb Dillon.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, September 5, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar, with the Rev. Dr. Larry McCallister, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park.

Friends may call two hours prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dunbar First Church of God, 1234 Payne Avenue, Dunbar, WV 25064.