There are those people you know throughout your life that are genuinely humble, kind, and gracious. Those individuals that would do anything for you in a time of crisis or need. Regie Rowe was a person that embodied that approach to life, known and loved by so many throughout his life – a true member of the community in every way. So many of you knew Regie as a rancher, farmer, pecan picker, hay baler and hauler, and problem solver. He was also a loving husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, brother, son, and grandfather (“PaPa”). Regie lost a 6-month, hard-fought battle with lymphoma this week. During the last months and days of his life, it was clear how loved and appreciated he was to so many. Friends, neighbors, and family surrounded him with love and prayers. He died peacefully holding the hand of his loving wife of 51 years, Katherine.
Reginald Dean Rowe was born April 9, 1952 in Ada, Oklahoma to Norval and Juanita Rowe. He graduated from Vanoss High School in 1970 and received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Agricultural Education from Oklahoma State University. He remained an Oklahoma State fan, a lover of baseball, basketball, golf, and football. He married Katherine Elaine Biggs in 1972, and they shared many adventures throughout their 51 years of marriage – dairy farming, ranching, raising their two daughters, going to basketball games, traveling, and visiting their five grandchildren. Regie was a fixture around Gaar Corner, where he farmed and raised cattle. He also was a beloved teacher of Agriculture and an FFA advisor for 22 years.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Norval and Juanita Rowe, brothers, Billy and Ronnie Rowe, and sister, Gwendolyn Kragh. Regie is survived by his wife, Katherine Rowe of Gaar Corner, two daughters, Regina Rowe of Rochester, New York, and Krista Grasmick of Keller, Texas, sons-in-law, Julian Meeks (Rochester, NY), Cody Grasmick (Keller, TX), 5 grandchildren, Winnie and Allen Meeks, and Jaxson, Jordan, and Lily Grasmick; two sisters-in-law, Glenda Rowe and Olene Rowe; and a brother-in-law, Jim Kragh.
Services will be held at Asbury United Methodist Church in Ada, Oklahoma on Friday, December 1, 2023 at 10am in the morning, graveside services to follow at Rosedale Cemetery, Ada, Oklahoma. A visitation will be held Thursday, November 30, 2023 at Criswell Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Serving as pallbearers are Stephen Rowe, Shannon Rowe, Joe Noble, Earl Delozier, Mitch Henley, and Chris Grimm. Honorary pallbearers are Dennis Hoover, Dag Svihus, Dean Bolin, Billy Greenwood, Buddy Berndt, Mike Golden, Bob Nessel, and Rance Walker.
In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to the American Cancer Society or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Criswell Funeral Home, Ada
