James D Rowden (Lebanon)'s Obituary
James David Rowden, son of Lloyd and Amanda Smith Rowden, was born August 30, 1935, in Lebanon, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, January 20, 2014, in his home, near Pittsburg, Missouri, at the age of seventy-eight years, four months, and twenty days.
On October 16, 1986, he was united in marriage to Mary Ellen Bancroft Kalebaugh, and they shared the last twenty-seven years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, George Rowden, and an infant, Billy Ray Rowden; and two nieces, Lynn and Amanda.
James is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen, of the home; a son, David Rowden, of Peculiar, Missouri; four daughters, Sharon Henderson, of Pittsburg, Missouri, Brenda Lauderdale, of Raymore, Missouri, Phyllis Wright, of Belton, Missouri, and Gwen Cannady, of Raymore, Missouri; a stepson, William Michael Kalebaugh, of Liberty, Missouri; two stepdaughters, Sherrie Ann Williams, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Terrie Lynn Ingram, of Independence, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; ten step-grandchildren; two brothers, Russell Rowden, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, and Frances Rowden, of Lebanon, Missouri; three sisters, Dorothy Snow, of Springfield, Missouri, Pauline West, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Mary Hohenfeldt, of Blue Springs, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
He was born and raised in Lebanon, Missouri, and attended the Kapp School. He then moved to the Kansas City, Missouri area, making his home in Odessa and Lone Jack at different times. Through the years, James had worked as a carpenter and was a member of the local Carpenters Union. After retiring, he and Mary Ellen moved to the Lake Pomme de Terre area, near Pittsburg, Missouri.
James had followed the Christian faith throughout his life. He had a big heart and was always willing to help others.
In his spare time he enjoyed being outdoors where he particularly liked to fish. He also enjoyed antique cars, dominos, playing the guitar, and building things with his hands. He possessed a delightful sense of humor and loved to laugh. His family was very important to him and he especially enjoyed time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
James was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and know that he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
A Memorial has been established and donations may be made through the funeral home.
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