John Rowden

JOHN AMOS ROWDEN was born May 13, 1933 in Skiatook, Oklahoma to Minnie Katherine Swartz and Allcy Amos Rowden. John attended school and played sports in both Skiatook and Sperry. When John was in the 11th grade he was encouraged by the National Guard to join the Navy, where he completed his education.
John married Wilma Sue Grayum September 12, 1953 in Sperry, Oklahoma and they made their home in various places on the West Coast before settling in San Diego, California, where they raised their family. John and Sue had three children, Ronald Duane, Johnna Sue and Randall Glenn.
John's Navy career took him all over the world serving his country, which included four years as a Brig
Warden at LeMoore, California Air Base, he also served during Russian Missile Blockade in Cuba in the 1960's, he was the Chief in Charge of the Recovery Team for the Apollo 15 mission where he was told if he messed up it would ruin his Naval Career and in his final years of service included patrolling the rivers of Vietnam where he earned a Bronze Star Medal for his bravery. In 1974, after 21 years of service, he retired as a Boatswain's Mate Senior Chief.
In 1979 John and Sue moved back to the Midwest and made their home in Southeast Kansas with his final resting place in Neodesha, Kansas. While in Southeast Kansas they lived on a farm, raised cattle and he worked as an oil field pumper until 2013.
During his lifetime John was devoted Sailor to God, his Country and Family. He served his Lord as a
Deacon, Priest and Elder in the Community of Christ Church. John was just as dedicated to serving his Lord, as he was his family. He enjoyed spending time with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, taking them on various trips including Branson and Disney World, providing them with an opportunity to experience things they may not have otherwise experienced. His family will always remember him as being a moral compass, because of the support he provided them down through the years.
He is survived by his wife of 65 years of the home. 2 brothers Charles Rowden and Jack Rowden of
Sperry, Oklahoma, a sister, Barbara Sue Stephens of Kellyville, Oklahoma. His three children, Ronald & (Gemma) Rowden of Thayer, Kansas; Johnna Hugo of Neodesha, Kansas and Randall & (Dyanne) Rowden of Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Ten grandchildren and ten great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dora Peters, and his brother, Robert ‘Bob' Rowden and one son in law, William ‘Greg' Hugo.
He was loved my many and will be greatly missed.
A celebration life service will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday November 28, 2018 at the Neodesha Christian Church in Neodesha, KS. Interment will be at the Neodesha Cemetery with full Military Honor Guard from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. And Honor Guard from Chanute, Kansas. Visitation will be Tuesday November 27, 2018 at Loran Fawcett Chapel from 6:00pm to 8:00pm in Neodesha, KS. Memorials can be left in John's name to VFW Post 3018 of Fredonia, KS. and can be left with the Loran Fawcett Chapel in Neodesha, KS. On-Line condolences can be left to the family by going to www.loranfawcettfuneralhome.com

Visitation

Loran Fawcett Chapel
704 Indiana
Neodesha, KS  66757
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Service

Celebration of Life

Neodesha Christian Church
Neodesha, KS  66757
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
2:00 p.m.

Cemetery

Neodesha Cemetery
Neodesha, KS

Memorial Contributions

VFW Post 3018
Fredonia, KS