Richard Bland Rowden, of Iberia, formerly of Dixon, was born October 8, 1934, at Brinktown, a son of Floyd James and Minnie Ellen (Bremer) Rowden, and departed this life at 3:15 p.m., on Thursday, November 28, 2019, in the Miller County Care and Rehabilitation Center, Tuscumbia. He had attained the age of 85 years, 1 month, and 20 days.

Mr. Rowden was first united in marriage on September 5, 1953, at Dixon, to Marilyn Dodds, and to this union, four children were born. He was later married to Velma Lorean (Rowden) Workman, on November 1, 2009.

On April 3, 1957, Mr. Rowden entered into active federal service in the Army of the United States and served until April 1, 1963, when he was honorably discharged, at the rank of Staff Sergeant. A man of excellent character, Richard's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country.

Richard was a member of Gospel Tabernacle Church in Dixon, for over 40 years, where he was instrumental in the construction of a new church building, and served as the worship leader. He was employed at Howard Ready-Mix in St. Robert for thirty-three years and served as foreman and superintendent of the plant.   After retiring in 1993, he assisted his son in building over 400 homes in Pulaski County. Richard loved riding horses, listening to gospel music, planting and taking care of flowers and being with his family.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Rowden include: His wife, Lorean Rowden, Iberia; his children, Sandy and Jeff Steele, Waynesville; Sharon and Bryan Bassett, Ballwin; and Mark and Jeanie Rowden, Waynesville; five grandchildren, Megan and Bryan Welch, Nixa; Andrew and Shelby Bassett, Indianapolis, Indiana; Mackenzie and Lance Atterberry, Plato; Kristen and Nate Light, Springfield; Caleb and Emily Rowden, Waynesville; seven great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brylee, Blake, Malakhi, Rylen, Amelia, and Russell; brothers, Zane and Wilene Rowden, Chuck Rowden, and Bob and Patsy Rowden, all of Dixon; nine step-children; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years, Marilyn, on May 31, 2007; an infant son, Richard Michael Rowden, on February 15, 1963; his father, Floyd, on February 27, 1974; and his mother, Minnie, on May 31, 2008.

Visitation for Mr. Rowden will be held from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m., on Monday, December 2, 2019, with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. in the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home at 105 East Third Street, Dixon, Missouri 65459, with Bro. Ed Davis, Dixon, officiating.

Interment with full Military Honors will be in the Dixon Cemetery, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Dixon.

Memorials are suggested to Stonebrooke Church, 500 GW Lane Street, Waynesville, MO 65583, or per the wishes of the family in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box EE, Dixon, Missouri 65459.