Charles "Chuck" Rowden
Jun 16, 1939 — Jul 10, 2026
Charles H. “Chuck” Rowden, 87, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, July 10, 2026.
He was born on June 16, 1939, in Alton, Illinois, the son of Harold and Evelyn (Hydron) Rowden.
He grew up in the Alton, Godfrey area of Illinois, and enjoyed his time as a boy on the Mississippi River, which contributed to his love of the water and eating fried fish. After high school and attending Southern Illinois University, he proudly served in the United States Air Force, and was eventually stationed at Tinker Air Force Base, in Oklahoma City. Following his honorable discharge from the military, he, his first wife, and their daughters made their home in Ponca City where he owned and operated Rowden Electronics. Following his wife’s death, he courageously faced the challenges of being a single dad raising two small girls on his own.
One fateful night in 1973, he met his beloved Trelma, and after a year of courtship and a whirlwind romance, they married on January 24, 1974. They merged their lives, and with their prospective children, created a family. In April of 1975, their daughter, April Dawn was born. Chuck and Trelma shared many years of happiness together… faith in God, love, laughter and joy was the foundation of their home. They attended Eastern Heights Christian Church, and later First Baptist Church, and cherish all the precious memories they’ve shared over the years with their wonderful church families. He worked as an organ technician for Miles Music, then later as a Research Computer Scientist for Conoco, until his retirement in 1994. His work with Conoco allowed him to travel all over the world, with Egypt, Norway, and Indonesia being some of his favorite destinations. Following his retirement, he and Trelma decided to be business owners again and traveled all over the state of Oklahoma repairing church and funeral home organs. They enjoyed going on road trips and many adventures together, whether it was for their business or just for fun with dear friends.
Chuck had an exuberance for life that others found contagious! His fun, gregarious personality was a delight to many. He was always friendly, warm, and welcoming to others. His larger than life personality is one of the reasons he was such a great door greeter at First Baptist Church for many years. Serving others and teaching the little ones at church that went through his door, a high five, then a firm handshake, brought him a great amount of satisfaction. In recent years, Chuck’s health prevented him from attending church, but he faithfully continued to worship the Lord from home. Over the years, he and Trelma had a daily time of prayer before bed, reciting the Lord’s Prayer together, followed by saying “Angels” to request protection from the Lord over one another. This nightly tradition continued faithfully until his final days.
His youngest granddaughter, Presley Jo Goins, came along in June of 2010, just two days before his birthday and their special bond brought added joy to Chuck’s life in his later years. He was such a fun, caring and wonderful Papa to her and many other young people he “adopted” along the way!
He was a devout follower of Jesus and spent countless hours studying God’s word and delving deep into the scriptures.
He could fix ANYTHING! He had a knack for being able to figure out why something wasn’t working and knew exactly what to do to fix it. (Before Google!)
Through the years Chuck enjoyed spending time with his family, camping/traveling in the motor home, boating, painting, studying history and playing beautiful music by ear on both the piano and organ. He grilled a mean steak and loved preparing delicious food for his family, especially around the holidays.
There was always a great amount of excitement when watching sports with his beloved “Trea”, especially during OKC Thunder and OSU basketball games!
He collected clocks, lighthouses and all things Snoopy.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Trelma, affectionately know by him as “Trea”, three daughters, Cynthia Phillips, Dianna Frost, and her husband, Richard, April Goins, and her husband, Joe, granddaughters, Presley Jo Goins, and Madison Brown, and her husband, Eric, brother in law, Larry Goad, brothers, Gary Rowden, sister in law, Mary, and Dennis Rowden, and numerous other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife, Jane, son, Jeff, daughter, Ginger, and granddaughter, Rachel.
Chuck was a dedicated and loving husband, father, Papa, brother and friend that will be missed and remembered by many.
Memorial donations may be made in Chuck’s name to Meals on Wheels, C/O Connie Petersen, 8280 E. South Avenue, Ponca City, OK 74604 or Pixley Cemetery Association, C/O: Sharon Keeler, 1483 County Road 6300, Fairfax, OK 74637.
Visitation will be held at Grace Memorial Chapel from 5-7 PM on Thursday, July 16th, with a graveside service at Pixley Cemetery, in Osage County, Oklahoma at 11 AM on Friday, July 17th.