Roll Call Tribute

Robert Alexander "Rob" Rowland, III 

April 27, 1943 - October 15, 2024 

Robert “Rob” Alexander Rowland III, 81, peacefully passed away on October 15, 2024, in Cat Spring, Texas surrounded by his family. Rob was born in McAllen, Texas on April 27, 1943 to Marguerite Gerry and Robert A. Rowland, Jr.

He graduated with a BS degree from Texas A&M University and was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. Rob spent two years as assistant to the chief of psychiatry at Walter Reed Army Hospital, where as duty officer on the night shift he had regular conversations with President Eisenhower, who made it very clear to Lt. Rowland that he was to be called General. Rob was promoted to Captain and went to CuChi, Vietnam where he served as chief supply officer and commander of the enlisted men at the historic 12th Evacuation Hospital. When asked if life at the 12th was like “MASH” he replied, “pretty much!” After deciding to go to law school, he took the LSAT in the downtown Saigon Library with mortars going off around the building. Needless to say, he took the test again upon returning home earning a Juris Doctor, with honors, from the George Washington University Law Center.

After law school he clerked for the Honorable John R. Brown, chief judge of the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, a prominent figure in the advancement of civil rights to African Americans. He began private practice at Vinson & Elkins and then became an early partner at the renowned litigation firm, Susman Godfrey. He spent the next 50 years as a licensed Texas attorney, both as a practicing lawyer and as the owner and CEO of Associated Counsel of America, a legal recruiting firm.

Rob believed deeply in giving back to his community. Over the years he served on many non-profit Boards of Directors. His interests were many, but he gave particular attention to organizations that focused on green space and parks, the arts, and Texas A&M University. He served as a board member and president of the following organizations whose common mission is the promotion of parks and green space in the Houston area; The Citizens Environmental Coalition of Southeast Texas; The Park People, where he received the President’s Award; The Houston Parks Board, where he was appointed by former Mayor Bob Lanier; The Greater Houston Partnership Parks, Greenspace & Recreation Committee. He was also a board member and vice-chairman of the Houston Botanic Garden, an organization he was extremely passionate about. It pleased him greatly to see the Botanic Garden finally come to fruition and become a major asset to the city of Houston.

He was a trustee of the Contemporary Arts Museum, the Cultural Arts Council of Houston, a founding board member and president of Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts and a director of the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Gallery of Art at the University of Houston.

Rob also served on the Development Councils for both the College of Liberal Arts and the George Bush School of Government and Public Policy at Texas A&M University.

Rob was very active at Christ Church Cathedral, where he served as chair of the Stewardship Council and Mission Outreach Council as well as serving on the vestry and as Junior Warden. He was also active on the board of Camp Allen, the Episcopal Diocese of Texas Conference and Retreat Center. Rob was a longtime member of River Oaks Country Club and the Coronado Club.

Rob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Victoria “Wick” Nalle Rowland, his daughter Julia Rowland Hampton, her husband, John, and their children, Ben, Will and Mary Bryan, of Houston and his daughter Emily Rowland Hulce, her husband, Steve, and their children Claire, Steven, and Jane of Greenwich, CT. He is also survived by his sisters, Gerry Rackley and her husband, Jim, and Mari Turner and her husband, Duke, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Rob adored animals and wildlife of all kinds, including his beloved dogs, cats, chickens, donkeys, Longhorns, and the occasional copperhead that he would carefully capture and relocate to someone else’s property! Aside from spending time with his adored grandchildren, there was nothing Rob loved more than being outdoors, shredding pasture on his John Deere tractor, planting things (the pointier the better) and appreciating the beauty and abundance of nature all around us.

Rob cared deeply about his family, his community and his country. He had an infectious smile and a warmth that drew everyone that knew him closer. He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024 at 2pm at Christ Church Cathedral (Episcopal), 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston. A reception will follow the service in Sanders Hall. A private family inurnment in the Cathedral’s Columbarium will have taken place earlier in the day. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to Camp Allen, www.campallen.org, Houston Botanic Garden, www.hbg.org, Christ Church Cathedral, www.christchurchcathedral.org or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.