He married Evelyn Snyder on August 9, 1958, and they spent the next 67 plus years building a life, a family, and relationships with friends, that will be called to mind for many years following his passing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and sisters and their spouses, one daughter, Peggy Land, son-in-law, David Lancaster, infant grandson, Bret Land, and brothers-in-law, Bobby Snyder and Billy Snyder.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn, daughter, Shari Lancaster, son’s Curt (Anita) Rowden and Roger Rowden, son-in-law, Roger (Gloria) Land, 6 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, one sister, Lorene Rowden of Missouri, and brother-in-law, Steven (Pearl) Snyder.
He spent many years of his working life behind the steering wheel of semitrucks carrying the goods for our daily lives between Central Illinois and the northeastern and southern states. Then, with his wife, he fulfilled a dream in his life by opening Rowden’s Café in Elmwood, IL where they served some of the best fried chicken, catfish, and homemade pies around. Upon retirement from the restaurant business, they built a dream home in Central Missouri where he was born and lived his first 16 years of life. When macular degeneration slowly stole his sight, his ability to live the vital life he was used to was taken from him. Like anyone else, the most important things in his life were his wife, his family, and his faith, but unlike everyone else, he did it with every piece of his heart.
Memorial service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Lord’s Table Church of God in Bartonville, IL. Cremation rites will be accorded though Endsley-Sedgwick Funeral Home in Bartonville, IL. Burial at Trivoli Cemetery in Trivoli, IL will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Bright Focus Foundation for Macular Degeneration Research, Autism Speaks, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To leave an online condolence you may go to www.sedgwickfuneralhomes.com
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