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Submitted: 6/2/22 • Approved: 6/7/22 • Last Updated: 6/10/22 • R1435140-G0-S3
CORPORAL US Army
Korea
March 5, 1929 - May 13, 2011
Obituary
Springdale Morning News
Sunday, May 15, 2011
MORRILTON - Walter William Rowden, 82, of Morrilton, Ark., left us to go he with Our Heavenly Father on May 13, 2011. Walt was born in Flagler, Colo., on March 5, 1929 to Irma Conarty and David Vintson Rowden.
Walt's grew up on his families dairy farm in Flagler, where he woke early every day to milk cows to supply the Eastern Colorado town with fresh milk. After graduation from Flagler High School in 1947 Waft ventured off to Colorado A&M (now Colorado State University) where he received a bachelor's degree in Vocational Agriculture.
While in college Wait was a charter member of the Farmhouse Fraternity where he served as president in 1951 and received the outstanding senior award (Doane Award).
Upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Japan in Army Intelligence from 1952-1954. After an honorable discharge, Walt returned to Fagler to manage The Creighton Ranch and find his lifelong love and wife Ruth Ann Burns, from Cheyenne Wells, Colo. Walt and Ruth Ann where married on June 12, 1955. One year later he became a father to his only son, Larry.
Walt's hunger for education led him back to Colorado State University where in 1958 he received a master's degree in Animal Breeding.
In 1958 Walt, Ruth Ann and Larry moved to Crawford, Neb., where he worked as the Assistant Director for the USDA Beef Cattle Research Station at Fort Robinson, Neb.
That same year Walt and Ruth Ann had their first daughter, Carol and three years later their second daughter Linda was born. In 1964 his work moved him to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. A year later they had their fourth child, Mary which completed the Rowden children.
In 1966, Walt became the first Assistant Director of the newly formed USDA Meat Animal Research Center at Clay Center, Neb. In 1971 Walt became the Director of Sire Selection at International Beef Breeders in Denver, Colo.
After that Walt joined Winrock International in Morrilton, Ark., in 1976 where he used his knowledge and experience to improve cattle operations in developing countries. He later became the manager of the Petit Jean division of Winrock Farms in 1979 where he enjoyed ranching until his retirement in 1994.
During his period in Morrilton he was very involved in the Conway County, Ark., and National Cattlemen's Associations where he held many leadership positions including President of the Arkansas Cattlemen's Association in 1990 and 1991. In 1992, Walt received the Pioneer Award from the Beef Improvement Federation a significant honor for his efforts in improving beef cattle genetics and service to the industry.
In retirement, Walt enjoyed volunteering and serving on many committees such as those at First United Methodist Church, Morrilton Clamber of Commerce, Conway County Christian Clinic, and Bible Study Fellowship. Walt's volunteering spirit culminated in him being awarded the 2006 Morrilton Citizen of the Year.
When not working or volunteering, Walt loved to play golf and sing. Music and sports were always important to him as he played football, basketball and baseball in high school. He continued to play baseball while in the Army and after returning from the service. As his grandchildren grew up he enjoyed watching them play football, baseball, basketball, soccer, softball and golf.
Survivors include wife, Ruth Ann Rowden of Morrilton, Ark., his son Larry Rowden and wife Kim, of Broken Bow, Neb.; daughters, Carol Greenstreet and her husband Kirk of Woodland Park, Colo., Linda Starr and husband, Kenny of Fayetteville, Ark., and Mary Larkan and husband, Lee of Greenland, Ark. Walt is also survived by his one brother, David Rowden and wife Doris of Flagler, Colo.; sister-in-law, Dorothy Benson of Ardmore, Okla., and 10 grandchildren: Amanda Starr, William Rowden, Jason Starr, Allison Rowden, David Greenstreet, Rebecca Greenstreet, Jordan Larkan, Ryan Starr, Sarah Greenstreet and Kristen Larkan.
The following services will be held in Walt's honor: Burial at Fayetteville National Cemetery on Monday, May 16, at 11 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held at the First United Methodist Church in Morrilton. Arkansas on Tuesday, May 17, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to The First United Methodist Church in Morrilton, Conway County Christian Clinic, and Circle of Life Hospice in Springdale, Ark.
Beards Chapel will be handling local service in Fayetteville.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.
Contributed on 6/2/22 by judyfrog
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Record #: 1435140