Ralph E. Rowden

CARTERVILLE – Ralph Rowden, 84, of Carterville, formally of Carbondale, passed away on Thursday, May 20, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family.



Ralph was born on March 19, 1937 to Clifford and Alma (Brewer) Rowden in Carbondale, Illinois. He married Helen Goss on October 22, 1961 in Wall Township, NJ. She proceeded him in death on September 8, 1971. Ralph later married Ellen J. Biggs in December of 1972 at Carbondale. She proceeded him in death on September 22, 2003. Years later, he married Beulah Young on December 28, 2018 in Carbondale.



Ralph is survived by his wife, Beulah Rowden of Carterville; daughters Tammy Lee Rowden (Gladys Ann Dozeman) of Johnston City, Cheryl Anne (Toby) Martinez of Marion, and Debbie L. (Brian) Bennett of Brighton; brother David Lee (Emily) Rowden of Carbondale; sister Shirley Anne (Jack) Franklin of Carbondale; grandchildren, Caleb (Brenna) Bennett, Sarah (Jacob) Clendenen, Zachary Ellis, Austin (Grace) Ellis, Joshua and Carlos Martinez; great-grandchildren Atticus (Little Edward) Ellis, Eli Clendenen, and Amelia Ellis; step-sons, Shane (Andi) Young, Michael (Tammy) Young, David (Trish) Young, and Ben (Teqila) Young; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and beloved friends, Gizmo (his four legged friend), Red, Calie, and Niki the Bird.



He was preceded in death by his parents, and son, Harold (Skeeter) Blaise.



Ralph served his country in the US Army Signal Corps as an SP4 from 1960 until 1966. He then went on to work for the City of Carbondale as a foreman for the water department until his retirement in 1999. Ralph enjoyed spending his time riding horses, flying model air planes, and spending time with his family.



Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 24, 2021 at Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale with Rev. Robert Gray officiating and full military honors.



In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis CARE Animal Shelter or American Cancer Society. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery.



Meredith Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. To leave a story or memory of Ralph, visit www.meredithfh.com