Joseph "Joe" Rowan

Joseph Stephen Rowan, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Monday, September 04, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Katrina Durst Rowan; his daughter Jessica Jon Short; and his parents, John and Patricia Rowan. 

He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Jami and Johnny Orgeron; grandchildren, Ellenore, Rowen, Warner, and Everette Orgeron; and brother Mike Rowan.

Joe was a man of few words but left a lasting impact on the people he met. He completed grade school at St. Mary School before moving on to Dansville Central High School, where he played football and participated in wrestling. He continued his education and ultimately graduated from Duke University with a degree in Engineering. In his younger years, he was a member of a band, The Five Aces, in which he played guitar. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, who was his best friend. They loved being on the water, riding motorcycles, and taking beach trips whenever they could. He also loved being a grandfather to the “toots.” Joe seemed to be happiest whenever outside (specifically near water), surrounded by his family, with a cold beer in his hand. He will be incredibly missed, although there is tremendous peace knowing he has been reunited with his best friend. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the people who have prayed for Joe, checked in with him, visited, and offered different kinds of support. 

A visitation celebrating Joe's life will take place at the chapel at Lamar Dixon on Saturday, September 9, 2023 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Please attend wearing blue to show Joe lots of love and celebrate a life well lived. The family asks that no flowers be sent, requesting instead for donations to be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Clarity Hospice, or Heart of Louisiana Humane Society. Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.resthavenbatonrouge.com.