Fred F. Rowden

Fred F. Rowden was born November 18, 1931 in Oklahoma City and left his earthly existence to be with God on February 24, 2010. He was treasured by all, and loved and respected by many who knew him for his entire 78 years. He is survived by Myrna, his wife of 55 years, his son David, grandson David Jr, Granddaughters Heather Jarvis and Jennifer Gray, sisters and sisters-in-law, brothers and brothers-in-law, and many others who loved him dearly. But his greatest joy these last few years has been his great-grandkids, Emelyn and Payson. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ginger and his grandson, Robert. He graduated from Capitol Hill High School, and went on, part-time, to earn his Bachelor’s degree at Oklahoma City University. He wore many hats during the course of his working life; Navy Pipefitter, OG&E Lineman, and his inspired vocation, Peace Officer. He became a Trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in 1960. After he retired from the Patrol, he continued his law enforcement career as an officer for the Chandler Police Department, then as a Deputy Sheriff with Oklahoma County. And there were numerous other moonlighting jobs he performed all through his working life, ensuring his family was well taken care of. He was a dedicated family man, and made sure his family always had what we needed and, in most cases, what we wanted. He was generous to a fault, kind, compassionate, tough when he needed to be, and heroic in so many ways. His generosity and firm but fair demeanor as a Trooper, Police Officer, and Deputy Sheriff earned him praise, even often from those to whom he issued traffic citations or detained. He was the first Trooper in the history of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to be honored for having received so many complimentary letters and calls that a second personnel file had to be created for him, then a third. He lived a good life. He will be missed by his family, friends, and community.