Robert (Rob) Paul Rowbottom
July 21, 1950 - September 6, 2020
Retired SGM, Pastor, and “Uppa”, Robert “Rob” Rowbottom joined his Savior in Heaven early in the morning of September 6, 2020.
Rob was born in St. Louis, Missouri to Aloyes Irwin and Mathilda Cecelia (Yungbluth) Rowbottom.
He proudly served his country for 22 years in the United States Army retiring as a Sergeant Major after three tours in Germany, serving at the United States Pentagon, and instructing at the SGM Academy in Ft. Bliss, Texas.
Rob dedicated his life to service to the Lord, his family, and just about everybody else he met. He lived by the motto, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met yet!” He was active in Southern Baptist churches in Heidelberg and Augsburg, Germany, along with serving as a deacon in Dale City, Virginia. He was ordained as a minister on September 17, 1996 at Millcreek Baptist Church in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has served many churches across the West as interim pastor, pulpit supply minister, worship leader, “Cowboy Gospel Night” leader, Biker ministry leader and coordinator, chef, evangelist, Christian servant, and dear friend to so many. Rob also served as the Mission Pastor for the Road to Freedom Biker Mission and as one of the Area Reps for the Christian Motorcyclists Association in Utah.
He is survived by his children Anita, Sarah (Eric), Stephen (Caro); their mother, Paula Lediard; and 5.75 grandchildren Lahav, Liberty, Hannah, Kira, Connor, and a baby boy due soon. He is also survived by his chosen family: partner-Debbie Chidester; children Alex (Rachel), Corey (Ashley), Ethan, and granddaughter-Natalie; in addition to his sister, Carol (Ken) and his numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family in St. Louis and across the country.
He will be deeply missed by all whose lives he touched. Due to the current pandemic, memorial services will be streamed live Sunday, September 13, at 4:00 p.m. MT at https://firstbaptistwvc.org.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers or other gifts, please make a donation in his name to the Christian Motorcyclists Association or other charity of your choice. We all thank you for the outpouring of support and love you have shared and ask that in Rob’s honor you continue to share that love with one another and with those around you.
In Loving Memory
I am so sorry for your loss. Please let me know if you want or need anything. Was this sudden or did he have health problems?
My sincerest condolences to Rob's family. I met Rob years ago when I covered motorcycle rides/rallies for The Salt Lake Tribune and Thunder Press. He was such a wealth of information and introduced me to others who I would pester with questions for my stories. Rob was always at the ready with a hearty bear hug once he spied me - pen and notebook in hand. His love for the Christian Motorcyclists Association was an immense presence in his life. I will miss him, his hugs and his laugh. May his family, friends and "brothers" find peace during this time. With love, Julie DeHerrera
Dear Loved Ones, At Salt Lake Harley-Davidson, we enjoyed every visit from 'Pastor Rob'. He has been such a blessing to us for so many years. We miss him dearly. I enjoyed my visit with him just before his Panquitch ride with riders he loves. He made a difference and spread the love of Christ with anyone willing to listen! He is amazing and is now enjoying the fruits of his labor. He loves you all and you are a living testament to a life well lived. God bless you all and may His angels carry you through this very difficult time. Michelle Jones and his Harley-Davidson Family
We never had the privilege of meeting Rob, but we know how happy he made Debbie. We know we will get to meet him in Heaven. Sending love and prayers to all his family and loved ones.
In Loving Memory
