Roland, David Eugene 1928-2007

ROLAND, HEGWOOD, SCHRADER

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 2/3/2008 at 19:38:11

David Eugene Roland was born in Knoxville on Aug. 31, 1928. He was one of four children born to Tillie Mae Hegwood and Dave Clarence Roland. David attended school in Knoxville. On Aug. 31, 1950 David enlisted in the US Navy. He received the Japanese Occupation, National Defense, Korean Service, Good Conduct and United Nations medals.

On Sept. 28, 1951, David Eugene Roland married Esther Oleta Schrader. To this union three sons were born.

David worked for over 37 years at Vermeer Manufacturing in Pella. He retired in 1994. David's real love was farming. He raised all types of row crops as well as cows, pigs and sheep. David liked to spend his spare time fishing. He always had time to take one of the grandchildren along. Woodworking could have been another occupation for David. He made furniture as well as toy tractors etc. for the grandchildren.

David Eugene Roland passed away on Feb. 27, 2007, at the Pella Regional Health Center at the age of 78.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Douglas Lee and three sisters, Ion Yacinich, Colleen Stoneking and Betty Erwin.

Survivors include his wife of over 55 years, Oleta Roland of Knoxville; two sons, Bob Roland and his wife, Carlene of Knoxville and Tim Roland and his companion, Sara Chambers of Mitchellville; one daughter-in-law, Cheryl Roland and her companion, Jerry Holmes of Knoxville and five grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life was held at Williams Funeral Home on March 3 with Rev. John Allard officiating. Interment was in Greenwood Cemetery, rural Marion County. Memorials in memory of Mr. Roland may be made to the Clay Township Fire and Rescue Unit or the American Heart Association. Williams Funeral Home handled the arrangements.

The Knoxville Journal Express, March 15, 2007