Buddy Nathan Rowland, of Castroville, passed away on June 24, 2023 at the age of 86. He was born November 29, 1936 in San Antonio, Texas to the late Adra William Rowland and France Kunz Rowland.

From January 1954 to January 1957, Buddy served as a SP4 in the Service Company in the 112th Armored Cavalry Regiment, Texas National Guard. On May 14, 1960, he married Janice Marie Ciomperlik. They were married for almost sixty-three years when she passed earlier this year in March.

Buddy was a member of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Local Union 142 in Texas for sixty-six years. He did estimates for commercial jobs and his is two biggest accomplishments were the BAMC addition and the Alamodome. He gave to the local churches monthly and the community. Buddy raced at Alamo Dragster and won over twenty trophies. As a young man, he received a jacket for winning so many races. In his 60's, he began racing again along with his son at Alamo Dragster. They were known as pop and son, as they would race together. He also did car crash derby. He could pull a motor out of a vehicle and rebuild it. He loved riding motorcycles and owned many different bikes, but his last and most loved bike was his custom painted yellow Harley Davidson. Buddy and his wife, Janice, would often go on bike runs together. He loved caring for his property in Castroville and did his own home repairs. He was a family man and loved having family and friends over.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Carolyn 'Sue' and Richard Chavez of Somerset, Sandra and Jerry Thompson of Rosepine, LA, Richard Rowland of Castroville, and Steven Rowland of Castroville; and eighteen grandchildren.

Buddy was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Janice Rowland; and his grandson, David Ortiz.

No services are planned at this time.

Arrangements by Tondre-Guinn Funeral Home. Visit www.tondre-guinn.com