ROWDEN, Michael Alan, age 58, went to be with his Lord on June 22, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 22 years, Jeannine Thornton Rowden of College Station; daughters Caitlin Alexis Rowden of Denton, and Michelle Elizabeth Rowden of College Station; parents, Gene and Glyndola Rowden of San Angelo; brothers, Boyd Rowden of Lago Vista, and Brett (Patty) Rowden of San Angelo; nephew Justin Lee and niece Meagan Lee, of Rockport, TX; nephews Jason Rowden of San Angelo and Sgt. Matthew Reel, Afghanistan.
Most recently employed as assistant band director at A&M Consolidated High School in College Station, TX. Formerly band director at Allen Academy, Bryan, TX. Before moving in 2005, he served as assistant band director at Duncanville High School, La Joya Junior High, Coakley Junior High, and Harlingen High School. Over the years, he arranged many shows for the state and national levels of competition. Mr. Rowden began his musical career in San Angelo as a clarinetist and oboist, and was drum major of his high school and collegiate bands. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1976 at Angelo State University, with Masters work at East Texas State University. He shared his love of music with students of all ages as a teacher and conductor, making an impact on thousands of musicians all over the world.
Mr. Rowden was also a nationally certified instructor and referee for the Billiards Congress of America, and competed in national competitions for the past 20 years. He competed in May in Las Vegas, despite his illness. Born at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma City, OK, he became an avid OU Sooners fan, always making sure to have an OU baseball cap nearby. Perhaps his greatest achievements can be seen in the eyes of his two daughters. He bestowed his love for music, quick wit, and sacrificial heart to the ones he described as the “lights of his life”. He lived out Christian principles daily, having been baptized at an early age by Pastor J. Earl Dunn. He leaves a legacy that will live on for generations.
The family would like to thank Dr. Donald Gehring, Dr. Terry Jenkins, the oncology staff at St. Joseph’s Regional Health Center, and the community and band family who have rallied to care for Michael and his family in the time of need. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the “Michael Rowden Benefit Fund” for his daughters at Prosperity Bank, or through AMCHS Band Boosters at www.csbands.com.
Services are set for 10:00 am on Saturday, June 25, 2011, at A&M United Methodist Church in College Station, with Rev. Laurinda Kwiatkowski officiating. A time of visitation will follow in the church fellowship hall. Funeral arrangements are in the care of Callaway Jones Funeral Home in Bryan, TX.
Condolences may be left at www.callawayjones.com or www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelrowden.
I recall volunteering with Mr. Rowden this past spring for UIL. We made small talk and he asked me which child was mine. When I told him Christian was my son, I always paused and braced for a possible negative comment or grimace (which never happened with all four of my sons) but he was so gracious and polite in his response. He told me that he knew Christian well and even told me something positive that I will never forget: that Chris always had a positive comment after each practice and that it made him smile even when he knew the practice was not that great. I’m not sure if he knew it or not, but it certainly made my day! He will be greatly missed.
we send our condolences to you and your family he will be greatly missed.
Our prayers are with you. Mr. Rowden was an amazing educator, musician, and friend. I met him as a teen at Coakley Jr. High. He taught us many things in those formative years: excellence, tenacity, importance of hard work, mercy, grace, and many other traits. He was a blessing in my life and in the lives of countless others. Mr. Rowden will always be treasured as my favorite teacher! My memories of him will span my lifetime as I remember the love and passion he had for music, teaching, but especially for people.
We are so sorry for your loss.
Our prayers are with you all. We know Michael will be greatly missed.
Our prayers are with you. We love you all and will not stop praying for you. Michael has made such an impact on Alyssa’s life and we are so pleased she has been blessed to have him as her band director. We will miss him. Big hugs to all of you. Love, David, Lisa and Alyssa Adcock
We are so sorry for your loss and ours—-Mr. Rowden will be greatly missed. He was an excellent teacher and role model. Your family is in our prayers.
Please accept our sincerest condolences for your family. Mr. Rowden was a great friend to our family. We were fortunate to meet him when my daughters enrolled in Coakley Jr. High and Harlingen High School Bands. Luckily, the friendship lasted beyond the band days. We simply called him Rowden and really appreciated his sense of humor. We hope happy memories comfort you and we look forward to listening to him play beautiful music in Heaven.
Sincerest condolences your family. Here’s some happy memories you may not have heard. Mr. Rowden was our Band Director at Coakley Jr. High. He always amused me with his facial expressions. Often what was not said by his words was expressed by an “amused” expression on his face. He meant a great deal to our Mays family – 3 of us were lucky enough to be instructed by Mr. Rowden. We also fed and watched his cat when he traveled out of town. I also appreciated his open door policy to visit with the students during lunchtime. Heaven knows that kept us out of trouble. Mr. Rowden will be missed. But I’m confident that he is playing music up in Heaven to welcome us all.
I, along with everybody else at A&M Consolidated Middle School would like to express our deepest condolences for Mr. Rowden’s family. We will always remember him.
You all are in our prayers.
Last fall, I was able to speak to Mr. Rowden at length. How he started his career and how he ended up at Tiger Band. I remember saying, “I am in awe of all you band directors. How much devotion and time you dedicate to these band kids. Your families have to share so much of your time with band. Thank you because you are on a mission field.” I remember Mr. Rowden smiling and saying, “That’s how I have always looked at it, a mission field.” His impact on so many students is what I am in awe of…thank you Jeanine, Caitlin & Michele for sharing so much of your husband and father with us. Your father’s devotion to students and his incredible impact on their lives is your heritage. We will miss him with you.
My condolences go out to the family.
1984 alum
My deepest sympathy goes to the family and friends of Mr. Rowden, my dear flute instructor in beginner band class. I will always remember him fondly as the teacher who helped me with such patience and care. I will miss him but I will never forget him. He will always be in my memory.
To the Rowden Family, you are in our prayers. May you all find peace and solace in this time of loss.
Jeannine & girls–Dianne and I are just heart broken that Mike has left this earth, but we know that he is in a better place and is no longer suffering. We value so very much having had Mike as our friend and co-worker. His talent and contribution to the things we all loved will never be forgotten. We have heard from so, so many of the old Harlingen Cardinal Band kids in the last few hours, mainly on Facebook, but also via telephone and email. There have been so many nice things said, most of which I suspect you have been able to see and read. Again, we are so sorry for this loss and we want you to know that we are available to help you and the girls in any manner we are able. We offer our very best wishes and our most profound condolences.
Kindest personal regards,
Allan & Dianne