William Raymond "Bill Ray" Rowson, 69, died unexpectedly May 24, 2020 at home in Salina, KS. He was born to Raymond and Thelma (Casey) Rowson on December 23, 1950, in Salina. He married Virginia Wilson in Liberal, KS on June 8, 1975.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Mark.
Survivors include his wife, Virginia; son, Stephen Rowson (Laynette) of Jacksonville, FL; son, Daniel (Deanna, daughter, Kaysie Chrisman (Scott, and son, Nathan (Ashlee) all of Salina. He was the proud "Papa" to eight grandchildren: Finnley, Rory, Declan, Ava, Oliver, Emma, Gemma, and William.
Bill graduated from Liberal High School in 1968. Following graduation he attended classes at Emporia State University before returning to Liberal in 1970. Between 1973 and 1980 Bill worked at KLIB and KSCB in Liberal. In 1980 they moved to Salina where he worked at many radio stations around town including KINA, KQNS, KYEZ, KSAL, and KSKG. He owned a mobile DJ business, Wildhair Productions, providing entertainment at events in a five state region. He served on the KAB Board and received the Sonny Slater Award For Service to Station and Community in 2008. Health concerns forced his retirement in 2014. During his "retirement" he hosted a Saturday morning talk show and had recently begun a daily online radio show. In 2017 he received his most cherished award being inducted into the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Other hobbies included riding his wheelchair modified motorcycle, playing the guitar and spending time with family.
A funeral service is planned for 10 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2020 at First Covenant Church followed by a burial at Gypsum Hill Cemetery, Salina, KS. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance is limited to family, friends, and close acquaintances.
The family suggests memorials to the Guitar Program at South Middle School in care of the Salina Education Foundation or to the Kansas Association of Broadcasters Foundation for the Scholarship Program, in care of Ryan Mortuary, Salina.