Richard Eugene “Rich” Rowlinson, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 6:19 p.m., surrounded by the love of his family.
Born June 1, 1945, in Marion, Ohio, Richard was the son of Warren and Leola Rowlinson, both of whom preceded him in death.
Rich was also preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Catherine “Kit” (Dias) Rowlinson; his son, Eric Matthew Rowlinson; his infant grandson, Logan Coffman; his brother, Kenneth Rowlinson; his sister-in-law, Wanda Rowlinson and his brother-in-law, Dean Bower.
He is survived by his three girls, Amy (Chuck) Coffman, Jennifer (Adam) Link and Katherine “Kate” (Benjamin “Ben”) Perkins; his grandchildren, Nick Coffman, Morgan (Spencer) Lanham, Sydney Link, Samantha Link, Madison Perkins, Jaxon Perkins and Landon Perkins; one special great-grandchild “Jelly Bean” on the way; his siblings, Larry (Natalie) Rowlinson, Roger Rowlinson, Connie (John) Walker, Cathy (Dave Worden) Rowlinson and Rodney (Melanie) Rowlinson; his brother and sister in-laws, Richard (Joy) Dias, Susan Bower and Nancy (Kevin) Gulley; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members and lifelong friends.
Rich proudly served his country in the United States Army. After returning home, he farmed alongside his father and brother while spending a brief time working at Timken. He later began a 25-year career at Burkhart Farm Center, where he became a familiar face to many. Those who knew Rich can likely picture him in his work uniform, with “Rich” stitched above the pocket. Retirement simply marked the beginning of his favorite role yet, being a full-time Grandpa.
He was an active member of the Lions Club and dedicated countless hours to the Crawford County Fair, serving on the Feeder Calf Committee, volunteering as a 4-H advisor and supporting generations of young exhibitors.
To his family, though, he was simply Dad.
He was a man of few words, but his actions spoke louder than anything he could have said. He wasn’t interested in possessions or recognition. He drove the old car while making sure Kit had the newer one. He worked Monday through Saturday, and Sundays were reserved for chores around home. He believed family came first and often reminded his girls that if you had your health, you had everything.
He was incredibly proud of his three girls and never missed an opportunity to tell people that Amy was the redhead, Jen was the brunette and Kate was the blonde. He could tell the same stories over and over, and somehow they became part of who he was.
Some of the family’s favorite memories were made during annual fishing trips to Canada, most recently to Wakomata Lake. Rich received just one week of vacation each year, and he and Kit faithfully saved so they could give their family that week together.
The fishing trips on that tranquil lake required the patience of a saint. With three young girls in the boat, Rich spent far more time baiting hooks, untangling fishing lines and taking fish off than he ever spent fishing himself. Then, after all of that, he cleaned the fish, too. (Jen may have helped. Kate admits she certainly did not.)
More than One year, the family hauled nearly all of Kit’s and girls STUFF (rafts and crafts and snacks and drinks and sweet corn and zucchini) to Canada in their own boat, only to discover it wouldn’t run once they arrived. Rich quietly made the best of it, fishing the week from a little rented “Tin Lizzie” while making sure everyone else enjoyed the vacation.
The Crawford County Fair was woven into the fabric of his life. During fair week he worked his regular job during the day before heading to the fairgrounds, where he checked on his girls, made sure the animals were fed, watered and walked, the pens were clean and, perhaps most importantly, that the girls stayed out of trouble—or at least didn’t get caught.
Even in his final weeks, the fair remained close to his heart. His family believes he hoped to hold on long enough to watch Sydney show her sheep and Samantha give her demonstration. When that became unlikely, Amy and Chuck took him for one final drive through the fairgrounds, where he had invested so much of his life serving others and supporting his family.
Many throughout Crawford County will also remember seeing Rich in the stands at Colonel Crawford football and basketball games. Long after his daughters had graduated, he continued cheering on the Eagles for as long as he was physically able, simply because supporting the community he loved was what he did.
In his final weeks, although getting around had become difficult, Rich still enjoyed going for a drive. Whether it was returning to the family farm where he grew up, visiting the Crawford County Fairgrounds or stopping at Wendy’s for a cheeseburger and a Senior Coke, those simple outings became treasured memories for his family.
Rich never sought attention, but his life left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to know him. He taught his family the value of hard work, responsibility, humility and simply being there for the people you love.
Friends may call on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, from 10:00am to 12:00pm, at Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main St., Crestline. The Lions Club will present a service at 12:00pm and following that will be a funeral service with Father Jeff Smith officiating. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow at Crawford County Memory Gardens.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the incredible team of private caregivers, hospice staff, family and friends whose compassion, kindness and support allowed Rich to remain comfortably at home, exactly where he wanted to be.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to organizations that were meaningful to Dad, including the North Robinson Blue Ribbons 4-H Club or Colonel Crawford Lions Club.
Those wishing to share a memory of Rich or send condolences to the Rowlinson family may do so by visiting www.masfh.com.
The Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel, 223 W. Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Richard “Rich” Eugene Rowlinson.
Funeral Home: Gompf Funeral Service – Crestline Chapel
Website: www.masfh.com