Robert L. "Bob" Rowden

Funeral Services for Robert Lee “Bob” Rowden, 79, of Sperry, were held Friday, April 11, 2014 at the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sperry, OK. The Elder Roger Tracy officiated and a private family interment followed. Casket Bearers were Richey Stubblefield, Randy Rowden, Darrell Johnson, Sean Johnson, Dwight Johnson, and Sean Wallace. Honorary Casket Bearers were John Rowden, Charlie Rowden, Jack Rowden, Bert Gage, and Paul Gage. Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Bob was born December 29, 1934 in Skiatook, OK to Allcy Amos and Minnie Katherine “Katie” (Swartz) Rowden. He passed away April 8, 2014 in Tulsa, OK.

Bob grew up in Sperry, although his family moved several times as his dad worked in the oil fields and farmed. He attended grade school in Sperry, Lakeview country school and later Skiatook and then graduated from Sperry Public Schools where he played football, basketball and baseball. Upon graduating, Bob spent two years of service in the U.S. Army where he played basketball, baseball and football for the US Army in Europe.

He married Martha Sue Marrs on Jan 12, 1959 in Sperry, and together they had Vicky Jean Rowden. Martha left this life on Nov 27, 1976 at their home in Sperry. Then on October 9th, 1981, Bob “the country bumpkin” married “the city slicker” Shirley F. Gage Stubblefield at their home in Sperry. Shirley brought her children Richey and Dyanne to complete the family. For many years Bob coached girls’ softball and basketball and also boys little league yellow jackets football team. As a coach, he had an influence on the lives of many children. Bob worked for Piping engineers for 32 years as a welder, and he retired at age 62. Upon his retirement, Bob was a very active member in his church as an elder.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Rowden of Sperry; daughter, Vicky Jean Rowden-Johnson of Claremore; step-daughter, Dyanne Rowden and husband Randy of Locust Grove; step-son, Richey Stubblefield of Catoosa; grandchildren, Ciemantha, Danielle, Laura, Dwight, Brittney, Emily, Sean, Kelsey, and Carlie; great-grandchildren, Cody Jr., Ty, Jax, Dustin, Connor, Khristian, Emma Jean, Madilyn Grace, Preslee Anne, Mollee Mae, and Michaela Dawn; brothers, John Rowden and wife Wilma of Neodesha, KS, Charles Rowden and wife Erma of Sperry, and Jack Rowden and wife Irene of Sperry; sister, Barbara Sue and husband Jim of Kellyville; numerous nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha; parents, Allcy and Minnie Rowden; sister, Dora Peters, and great-granddaughter, Madilyn.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in Bob's memory be made to the Remnant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Sperry.