Michael Rowe

Michael Wayne Rowe, known as Mike to his acquaintances, Mikie to his friends, Dad to his children, Opa to his grandsons, and Hon to his wife, entered eternal life on September 26, 2021 at the age of 65, at his home in Westville, OK. Mike was born on July 7, 1956 in Muskogee, OK, the second son to John and Joy (Kelley) Rowe. He married Deborah (Debby) Mullen on May 16, 1975 at New Hope Church, near Westville, OK.

Mike grew up in the Gum Springs community, where he tromped through the woods and explored caves, which led to his lifelong fascination with spelunking and hiking. Mike graduated from Gore High School in 1974. He attended Vo-Tech in Muskogee while in school, and completed his training in carpentry. This education was the catalyst for his career choices, first as a cabinet maker and carpenter, and then as an electrician.

He was saved at a young age. Mike was ordained as a deacon by Christie Southern Baptist Church. He joined Sager Creek Community Church in Siloam Springs, AR where he continued his Christian service as a deacon. He loved Jesus very much and was excited about going home to spend eternity with Him.

Although he lived a brief lifetime, Mike did not live an average life. Mike had a flair for dressing in Hawaiian shirts, shorts, and sandals. He learned what he wanted to learn, he fixed what he wanted to fix (Mike was the original “Mr. Fix-it”), traveled where he wanted to travel, built what he wanted to build, and loved his family and friends with an infinite love. Mike was a genuine giver and he had a passion for helping those in need. His love language was ‘acts of service’, which he accomplished by building and wiring houses, porches, decks or barns for people he esteemed.

Mike was a fearless explorer and he loved to go on adventures in tight spaces. He enjoyed panning for gold, taking flight lessons, and discovering uncharted terrain, whether by land, air, or water. His spontaneity took him on escapades all over the country, and even on a missions trip to Africa. He enjoyed visiting with friends and family gathered around a campfire. Mike also liked eating home grown tomatoes and sweet corn, fishing when the fish were biting, playing his guitar and an assortment of musical instruments, tinkering on wrecked cars, and watching classic cartoons.  Mike was tenderhearted toward old ladies, small children, and animals and he adored them all—including the pygmy rattlesnake that bit him while he attended the Passion Play several years ago.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents John and Joy Rowe.

Mike’s legacy of love includes his wife of 46 years, Debby, his children, Jessica Decker of Tulsa, OK & Audrey Rowe of Norman, OK, and his triple Decker grandsons, Simon, Elliott, and Oliver. He also is survived by his sister Barbara Albright, and brothers Joe and Richard Rowe. Mike also leaves behind his best friends –Tom Laymon & Jeff Morris, and his beloved dog Si. Mike would like to let you know that his work earth side is done. He received a final service call, an offer he couldn’t refuse, for an assignment from which he will not return. This job came with a huge sign-on bonus including a reunion with loved ones Mike has not seen in a long time. He is in heaven preparing a place for his multitude of friends, family and his fan club from all over the world.

Mike’s celebration of life will be held at Sager Creek Community Church on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at Akins Cemetery near Sallisaw, OK.