Michael Alonzo Rowland – Christopher, IL

Michael Alonzo Rowland, 66, Christopher, IL went to be with the Lord on August 17, 2020 at the Herrin Hospital.

Mike was born December 14, 1953 to Steve and Ida Helen Rowland (Welch) in Christopher, IL

Mike started his long career as a Franklin County Deputy at the age of 20. He graduated from SIU Law School in 1982, and became Assistant State’s Attorney for Franklin County. Then he became Chief Public Defender for Jackson County. When he ran for State’s Attorney of Franklin County he was elected. After 4 years in office Mike wanted to see the world and became Chief Public Defender in the islands of Micronesia. Because of health issues he and his family moved back a couple of years later and he held the office of Chief Public Defender in Franklin County until he had was forced to retire due to his health.

Mike married the love of his life, Glenda Katie Rowland on October 15, 1983 in Benton, IL and she remains in Christopher. Also surviving are his sons Timothy (Simone) McCarty, William (Michele) McCarty, Michael Rowland Jr. and Brett (Mary) Seagle. His grandchildren Anna, Gavin, Sophia, Jaquin, Liam, Rheya and Finn, also surviving are his mother Ida Helen Rowland, two brothers Charles (Judy) Rowland, Steve (Vicky) Rowland, and one sister Cheryl (Dennis) Robertson. As well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father Steve Rowland as well as his son Eric Bean.

Mike started his deacon program in 2006 and after 7 years of training and seminars in 2013 he was ordained by the Honorable Bishop Braxton as Deacon of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Christopher, IL.

Mike loved playing the banjo and formed with several others the Franklin County Line band. Who performed mostly in nursing homes, to bring joy to so many.

Mike also loved his dogs and he will be greatly missed by his Pug Percy and his other dog Bayo Wolf.

Visitation will be on Saturday August 22, 2020 from 8am to 10:30 AM at Gilbert Funeral Home in Christopher, IL. Funeral mass will start at 11am at St. Andrews Catholic Church in Christopher, the burial follow at St. Andrews Cemetery in Christopher, IL

In lieu of flowers you can donate to the American Cancer Society.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com