Donald Lee Rowden

Donald Lee Rowden, 79, Galveston, passed away at 1:45 am on Friday August 1, 2025, at his home. He was born on June 3, 1946, in East Chicago, IN, to the late James Edward Rowden and Marjorie J. (Martz) Johnson.  He married Deborah K. Rowden on May 19, 1968, and she preceded him in death on August 2, 2023.

Honda Don as he was known to his friends and family graduated from Kokomo High School in 1964. He enlisted with the United States Army, he was stationed in Cam Ranh Bay from 1965-1966, during the Vietnam War.  He worked for PPG Industries for 27 years, Milbanks for 2 years, was a semi-truck driver for 20 plus years retiring in 2014. After his retirement he worked as a Galveston School Crossing Guard for 2 years.  Donald was a member of the Road Kings Car Club in Greentown, and a former VP for the Shifters Car Club in Kokomo.  He enjoyed Street Rods, car shows, camping, and 60 years riding motorcycles.  Donald took pride in his “toys”, 14 motorcycles, 7 boats, 21 trucks, 30 cars, 11 street rods, 1 semi, 4 motorhomes, 7 campers and several car trailers. He always had to have a faster engine to fulfill his “need for speed”. He became an ordained Minister for the Universal Life Church. Donald worked tirelessly for his kids, he was funny, ornery, caring, giving and was always helping others. He was the best father, grandfather, and friend, he loved his family deeply and remained good friends with his ex-sons-in-law.

The family wants to send a special thank you to his daughter, Christina, granddaughter, Ashleigh, Comfort Keepers, and Southern Care Hospice, for their compassionate care.

Donald is survived by his children, Christina Smith, Brenda (Rodney) Grubb, and Regina Rowden; bonus daughter, Madeline Ruth Stevens; grandchildren, Ashleigh (Gary) Scott, Cassie (Sam) Kirby, Bryce (Gabbi) Smith, Abbey (Jamey) Reese, Nolan (Brittney) Grubb, Krista (Lucas) Rowden, Kohl Dillman, and Cory Dillman; great-grandchildren, Sydney Scott, Chloe Scott, Elijah Scott, Chandler Scott, Gavin Kirby, Journey Brackett, Gracie Kirby, Wrigley Kirby, Logan Reese, Marley Reese, Raelynn Grubb, Wryder Rowden, Macey Dillman, Coan Dillman, and 2 more on the way, 2 great great-grandchildren and 1 on the way; sister, Debbie (Dan) Taylor; ex-sons-in-law, Tony Smith, George Dillman, and Brian Reese; lifelong friend, Robert “Bob” Hammer; friends, Jeff Lamberson, and Joe Earnheart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Deborah, stepparents, Forest Johnson and Thelma Rowden; adopted brother, Jeff Karnes; and bonus daughter, Charlotte Gaither.

A funeral service celebrating Donald’s life will take place at 11 am on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W Lincoln Road, Kokomo. Burial will follow in Kokomo Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit the family from 4 pm to 8 pm on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, https://give.kidneyfund.org. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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