FORT WORTH – Stanley C. Rowell, Jr. passed peacefully on February 9, 2026, in Bryan, Texas. He was born on May 23, 1947, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Stanley C. Rowell and Marion Rowell (née Maitland). A native son, Stan was very proud of his Texas and Fort Worth roots. Stan met the love of his life, Diane Rowell (née Walker), in high school on a blind date that clearly worked out just right. They were married in 1975, beginning a 51-year partnership built on love, laughter, and unwavering support. Together, they shared their greatest pride and joy, their daughter, Brenda and also her husband, Steve Carlson of Wheelock, Texas, whom Stan proudly considered the son he never had. Family was the heart of Stan’s world. He graduated from Paschal High School in Fort Worth in 1965, where he played center and linebacker for his beloved Panther football team. His senior year, his teammates, and now lifelong friends, voted him MVP. That same love of the game and teamwork carried him to North Texas State University, where he played football before answering a higher call to serve his country. Stan joined the United States Air Force in 1966, and honorably served active duty until 1970, including a tour in Vietnam. After returning home, Stan continued a life of service by joining the Dallas Fire Department in 1972. He worked as a paramedic and was assigned to the hook and ladder truck, earning the respect and friendship of his fellow firefighters. Around the station, though, he was known for more than his professionalism. Stan was affectionately called “the Pie Man.” As the cook on his shift, he made sure his firehouse family never went hungry, and many hearty meals were finished with his legendary cherry, pecan, and coconut cream pies. While fully committed to firefighting, Stan never stopped pushing himself. He attended the University of Texas at Arlington, earned his degree in accounting, and became a Certified Public Accountant. In time, he opened his own practice, serving his clients whom he truly considered friends for more than 40 years. He approached his work the same way he approached life: with integrity, loyalty, and a sincere desire to help people. Stan worked hard and played hard. He found peace and relaxation with a fly rod in his hand. Whether low key family vacations or off-the-grid adventures, Stan was always looking forward to his next stretch of water, from Alaska to Maine, the Pacific Northwest to the Great Lakes, the Carolinas to the Florida Keys, the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and Belize or his homewaters on the Texas coast, Stan didn’t chase fish, he chased solitude in some of the most beautiful places in the world with people he loved. He always said the fish were just a bonus. Stan loved family, friends, football, fly-fishing, and fun. He was always up for good food, good music, and a good time. In addition to his wife, daughter, and son-in-law, Stan is survived by his sisters, Betty Underwood (Paul) of Joshua and JoAnne Myers of Fort Worth; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who loved him dearly. Stan was preceded in death by his loving parents, Stanley Sr. and Marion Rowell. He lived a life defined by service, hard work, laughter, and simple acts of kindness, whether that meant answering an emergency call, helping a client, sharing a meal, or making sure everyone had one more slice of pie. To know Stan the Man was to love him, and to be better for having known him. The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Broadmoor Court Assisted Living in Bryan, Texas and Enhabit Hospice of College Station, Texas, for the kind, loving, compassionate care they provided Stan and the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Enhabit Cares Foundation online or by mail at Enahbit Cares Foundation, 6688 N. Central Expy., Ste 1300, Dallas, TX 75206. Visitation: 6 – 8 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2026, at Greenwood Funeral Home in Memorial Suite B, 3344 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Funeral Service: 12 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, in Greenwood’s Live Oak Chapel, 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107; followed by interment in Greenwood Memorial Park. Reception: 1:45 – 3:45 p.m. Monday, March 2, 2026, in Greenwood’s Live Oak Room, 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107. GREENWOOD FUNERAL HOME Greenwood Funeral Homes – Cremation 3344 White Settlement Road, Fort Worth, TX 76107 817-336-0584
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