Willis Elmer "Bud" Rowden, of Bucyrus, was born on August 3, 1938, at Crocker a son of Clifford Paul and Ina (Fordyce) Rowden and departed this life at 9:15 p.m., Saturday, August 22, 2020 in the Osage Beach Rehabilitation and Care Center. Mr. Rowden had been in failing health and had attained the age of 82 years and 19 days.

Bud was united in marriage at Crocker on April 28, 1978 to Anna LaVerne Richards. He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford; his mother, Ina; his brother, Wayne Rowden and his sister, Betty Winkle.

Bud was a United States Army veteran and had worked as a heavy equipment operator as well as being a commercial fisherman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being with his grandchildren.

Bud loved the Lord and His word, being given an amazing understanding and interpretation of the Bible. He and Anna pioneered the Goodwill Church outside of Crocker after it had been closed for over 35 years. During his ministry, many souls were led to Jesus. It was his desire that ALL be saved.

Bud is survived by: his wife, Anna of the home; sons, Larry (Debbie) Rowden, Brinktown; Troy (Karen) Rowden, Lebanon; Kevin Rowden, Rolla and Clifton (Amanda) Rowden, Colorado Springs, Colorado; daughters, Amber Ruda, France; Anita Rowden, Rolla; Sherry (Jerry) Hunter, Flat and Becky Rowden, Rolla; step-daughters, Shelley Shepherd, Lebanon and Margaret "Dutchie" (Doug) Collins, Waynesville; his grandchildren, Lori, Ashley, Megan, Sean, Jessie, Justin, Brittany, Sidney, Brice, Casey, Cody and Eve; step-grandchildren, Kyle, Megan and Mariah;  seventeen great-grandchildren; two step great-grandchildren; one brother, Paul (Carolyn) Rowden, Wichita, Kansas; several nephews; nieces; cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held for Mr. Rowden at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, August 27, 2020 in the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker with Bro. Ernie Miller, Full Gospel Tabernacle Church, Iberia officiating.

Interment with full military honors will be in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Waynesville under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Crocker. Pallbearers are Rick Sturgeon, Phillip Allen, Jim Allen, Rick Hudgens, Donnie Mathers and Jim Ash. Warren Richards serving as honorary pallbearer.