Rowland E. Ellington

Rowland Eugene Ellington, 64, of South Bend, died at 7:33 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2019, in the comfort of his wife and children. He was born April 5, 1955, in St. Kansas City, Missouri, to Ladenia Cowper.

He married Sonya Ellington December 23, 2003. She survives along with his children: Marissa (Mike) Olaleye, Dallas, Texas, Symphonie, Joselyn, Kenya, Aja, and Aza Ellington, South Bend, Indiana, Rockmeyer (Chrishawn) Estes, Dallas, Texas, and Tobias Ellington; stepdaughter, Margarate (Larissa) Ziegel-Siler; and stepsons: Tony Phipps and James Siler. Also left to cherish his memory are many loving grandchildren whom he adored; mother-in-law, Rosemarie Brock; and innumerable friends and family.

Preceding him in death was his father; his sons: Titus and Brandon Ellington; daughter, Tesanna Pickens; and stepson, Douglas Mason Siler. Also surviving is his mother, Ladenia Cowper, Columbia, Missouri; brothers: Zennie Mills, Fulton, Missouri, Alex Mills, Columbia, Missouri, Corey Ellington, Arizona; sisters: Angeline (Bruce) Shockley, Columbia, Missouri, Elana Jenkins, Kansas City, Missouri, Ladenia Arnold, St. Louis, Missouri, and Shannon Ellington, Columbia, Missouri.

Rowland was a loving father, husband, and “Paw Paw”. He spent much of his time loving his grandchildren and caring for his family. He had a special thing for his most recent grandbaby “Pharoah.”

He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He worked for the American Postal Workers Union, St. Louis, and he was also a St. Louis Police Officer. 

Rowland struggled for many years as a single father but never gave up on his children. He raised beautiful educated children and remained active in their lives until his final breath.

He was loved by many and will be truly missed. 

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