Milo LeGrande Rowan Jr.

Milo LeGrande Rowan Jr.

1931 ~ 2026

Milo LeGrande Rowan, Jr. graduated with honors from this life at the age of 95 on May 20, 2026 after a short illness.

Milo LeGrande Rowan was born on May 11, 1931, to Anna Ardella Jansson and Milo LeGrande Rowan in Ririe, Idaho, the seventh child of eight in a family living through the Great Depression. As a baby, he developed rickets, which resulted in a deformed chest, but it did not significantly limit his physical activity. He grew up in Ririe, forming close friendships, especially with Jerry Grover, and spending much of his time outdoors. His childhood was marked by activities such as building snow tunnels, sledding, and creating makeshift play spaces. He experienced pneumonia as a young child after exposure to freezing conditions and later, at age nine, lost sight in his right eye due to a BB gun accident that required hospitalization. In 1941, his family moved to another home in Ririe, which was relocated and remodeled.

His early education was affected by hearing problems in first grade and his loss of sight in one eye, which contributed to challenges in reading. Despite these difficulties, he progressed through school with his peers. He became actively involved in music, playing clarinet, French horn, tuba and drum major in high school band, and he served as a team manager for sports, earning recognition for his role. He spent his sophomore year in Salt Lake City attending East High School, which broadened his experience beyond the small-town environment of Ririe. Summers were spent working on farms, and he later attended Ricks College, where his interest in music continued through participation in dance bands playing drums and accordion.

While at Ricks College, LeGrand met Ruth Davenport in a ballroom dancing class. Their shared interest in dance led to a strong connection, and they quickly became close. They began dating and decided they wanted to marry, though they agreed not to formalize an engagement before his mission. Instead, they committed to maintaining their relationship through letters while he served.

LeGrand was originally called to serve a mission in South Africa, but visa issues resulted in reassignment to the British Isles. He departed in February 1951 and served in both Scotland and England, including in Dundee, Edinburgh, Ipswich, Norwich and Chelmsford. His responsibilities included teaching, supporting other missionaries, and participating in baptisms. Among those he helped teach were Archie and Elizabeth McCormick. His mission took place during the Korean War, which affected the number of missionaries available. Before returning home, he traveled in Europe with his mother.

After returning from his mission, he reunited with Ruth, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple six weeks later. In 1954, he was drafted into the U.S. Army despite a prior classification suggesting he would not be required to serve. He completed basic training at Fort Ord and attended clerk typist school before being deployed to France. There, he worked in a medical supply depot handling personnel records. He was also assigned as an auxiliary chaplain, conducting interfaith religious services. His family joined him while he was stationed overseas, and he continued to be active in religious leadership. He was discharged in September 1956.

After his military service, LeGrand initially considered architecture but changed direction after working in construction and developing severe allergies. He enrolled in the University of Utah College of Pharmacy while supporting his family through various jobs. After earning his pharmacy license in 1959, he moved to Merced, California, where he began his professional career. He worked in both independent pharmacies and chain stores, including Thrifty Drug. He later owned Bear Creek Pharmacy, but the business faced ongoing challenges, including robberies and partnership conflicts. In 1971, he closed the store and returned to work at Thrifty Drug, where he remained as the industry shifted increasingly toward chain pharmacies.

In 1963, LeGrand partnered in the purchase of a 40-acre parcel of land, which was subdivided into residential lots. Together, they began constructing homes, including his own. Much of the work on his home was completed by his own labor, including foundation, framing, and interior construction. The process included multiple challenges such as structural issues, injuries, and uneven foundation work. The family moved into the basement before the home was finished and completed the upper level later. Financial difficulties eventually prevented the full development of the land, and the remaining lots were forfeited. The completed home included features such as dual kitchens and customized structural design. They lived in this home for 55 years.

Travel was an important part of family life. One of their most significant experiences was a cross-country road trip to visit historical and religious sites, including the Hill Cumorah Pageant, Boston, Williamsburg, and Maine. The trip was carefully planned with structured schedules, meals, and packing systems. The family traveled using a car-top rack and camping setup, preparing meals in advance and stopping regularly along the route. Despite mechanical challenges such as radiator failure, they adapted and continued. They also used creative methods, including cooking meals on the car’s engine manifold. The trip combined long-distance travel with sightseeing and remained a defining family experience.

Later years brought significant personal and family challenges. Ruth experienced several serious health conditions, including hepatitis during pregnancy that led to a coma and the loss of a child, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and an anaphylactic reaction to penicillin. LeGrand himself suffered a bleeding ulcer that required hospitalization and surgery. Their son, Mike, was diagnosed with a liver tumor and underwent extensive treatment before passing away. LeGrand also experienced a violent robbery at his pharmacy and later saw his barn destroyed by a fire caused by a neighboring burn. The barn was eventually rebuilt.

Due to health considerations, Ruth and LeGrand moved to Alpine, Utah in 2018 where he dedicated his time to taking care of Ruth through her health issues. After she passed in 2020 he lived independently for many years, even passing his driving test again at age 94. He spent the last year at the home of his son where he participated in many amazing activities and enjoyed the company of many people.

When asked recently, LeGrand remarked that he had a great life. He will be greatly missed.

LeGrand was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruth Davenport Rowan, two sons, Michael Lee Rowan and David Richard Rowan, his parents and six of his siblings. He is survived by his children Gary (Tammy) Rowan, Marla (Don) Rogers, and Carol Lindgren,18 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, and his 103 year old sister, Ruth Rowan Draper Crockett.

Funeral services for LeGrande will be held on Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. in the Timpview 6th Ward Chapel located at, 1050 North 600 West Orem, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to service at the church.

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