James Bobby Rowden, 86 years old, passed away November 27, 2021, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, surrounded by his family. Bobby was born in Oxford, Arkansas, to Delbert and Bertha (LaFevers) Rowden. He grew up in West Plains, Missouri, and was a proud Zizzer. He graduated from West Plains High School in 1953 and later married his high school sweetheart, Eula (Anderson) Rowden, in 1954. They made their home in St. Louis, Missouri, while working at McGraw Hill Book Company. Bob was a veteran, who proudly served in the U.S. Army.
In 1973, Bob moved his family to Eminence, Missouri, upon purchasing the Western Auto store from Eula’s uncle, Fred Collins. He became a quick learner of all things, such as lawnmowers, appliance delivery, auto parts, and owning a small business. He was passionate about serving others any way he could, such as lighting pilot lights for widows, refusing payment, making house calls to repair a lawnmower, or simply supporting the Eminence Chamber of Commerce. Bob loved impacting his community, modeling a strong work ethic, devotion to his family and wife of 67 years. He enjoyed taking teenagers to the lake to water ski, hosting the Eminence First Baptist youth group in their home for games, food, and fellowship, and visiting with friends new and old. Bob loved talking about his family, his fast cars in his younger years, and adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
After selling the Western Auto in 1987, he purchased Birch Tree Auto Parts, then sold it after building another thriving small business. He drove a school bus until retirement at the age of 70. He and Eula enjoyed their RV travels upon retirement, living as winter Texans for twelve years.
Bob will always be known for his humor, the love for his country, his strong opinions in politics, and pride in his family. He loved us well!
Bob and Eula have three children, Greg Rowden (Renee) of Eminence, Kara Sams (David) of Muscle Shoals, AL, and Carmen Kyle of Southaven, MS; eight grandchildren, James Rowden, Jason Rowden, Emily Dailey, Whitley Spencer, Brent Sams, Blake Sams, Peyton Kyle and Grant Kyle; and twelve great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m., on Friday, December 3, 2021, at Yarber Mortuary, Eminence, Missouri. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 4, 2021, also at the funeral home. Interment will be in Rowden Cemetery, Eminence, Missouri. If desired, friends may make memorial contributions to Eminence First Baptist Youth Group, PO Box 356, Eminence, MO 65466. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.
