Rowden, Ian Thomas beloved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cherished friend to so many, left this world on September 10, 2021. He was 22.
Born on September 25, 1998 to Timothy L. and Kimberly L. Rowden (nee’ Sanders), Ian was the second of four children, each unique and wonderful in their own way. His loving, caring nature, warmth and playfulness touched all who knew him.
Raised in Arnold, MO., Ian attended Simpson Elementary School and Seckman Middle and High Schools. He was a passionate and talented percussionist who played the marimba, vibraphone, crotales, hand drums and an array of other percussion instruments in his high school band, UMSL Percussion Ensemble, and with Freedom Percussion indoor performance group, which he dearly loved.
He was also an Eagle Scout and had worked on the 2017 camp staff at Swift High Adventure Base on S-F Scout Ranch in Farmington, MO, guiding scouts on the high ropes course, playing music and performing skits at evening campfires.
His friends from grade school, high school, university, Scouts and Freedom were his friends forever and he remained deeply devoted to each of them. His love, empathy and concern for his family and friends brought a light into this world and into their lives that will never be extinguished.
Ian was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Jerry L. Rowden and maternal grandmother, Werdna Jean Hickman.
He is survived by his parents Tim and Kim Rowden; sister Charlotte, of O’Fallon, IL; sister Emma, of Arnold and Columbia, MO; and brother Quinn, all of whom he cherished and loved without restraint.
He is also survived by his grandmother, Mary Rowden, of Mehlville, MO; Aunt and Uncle, Kathi (nee’ Rowden) and Kenton May, of Fults, IL; cousins Kolton May of Fults, and Kyleen May of Cape Girardeau, MO, grandparents Glen and Dee Sanders of St Peters, Mo ; dozens of friends, teachers, fellow Scouts and leaders, fellow percussionists and all the many more who loved him so dearly.
Visitation Saturday, September 18, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for friends and public at Kutis Funeral Home, South County Chapel, 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, Mehlville, MO 63129, with a memorial program presented by the family at 2 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will be held Oct. 24, 2021 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Emerson Center at Beaumont Scout Reservation, 6480 Beaumont Reservation Dr., High Ridge, MO 63049 with a performance by Freedom Percussion.
Memorial donations may be made to the Greater St. Louis Area Scout Council at https://stlbsa.org/give-now/memorial-gifts; Freedom Percussion at http://www.freedompercussion.org/ ; or the national Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/donate/.
Tim and Kim, I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I will make a donation to the Suicide Prevention Hotline on behalf of Ian. No words can adequately describe the pain you and your family must be going through. You have my thoughts and prayers.
Ian was my best friend in the world. He had a goodness and compassion within him for everybody, because he knew what it was like to not feel seen. I miss him every single day and know his parents and siblings exceed even my level of anguish. He was beautiful and kind and I will forever feel like I lost my Person in this world. I love and miss him so dearly.
Tim I am so sorry for you and your family. Prayers for the Rowden family.
Tim, I’ve always admired you as I saw you starting as a cub reporter in my court room. I have watched you as you have progressed through life as a successful husband, father and journalist. I don’t know what happen with your son, but you have my deepest and sincere condolences. If I can be of any help or friendly ear , Feel free to call me at any time. You’re a fun person.
I didn’t know Ian for long but for the few months I did it was AMAZING. He worked for me as a Barista at Starbucks and I admired his work ethic. He’s gone way too soon. You will be missed
Ian was one of the most kind-hearted people I’ve ever known. He had an unmatched level of empathy for and understanding of everyone around him and his smile, humor, and cheerfulness lit up every room he walked into. I’m so thankful to have known him and to have had him as a friend and I’ll never forget all that he did for me. I can’t imagine the sadness your family is going through.
Ian was a light in the world, his presence was something that nobody else had. He brought sunshine in people’s lives, and made a change that will not go unnoticeable . He was a great leader, and co-worker. Will miss him. To his family, sorry for your loss.
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Rowden family. Ian was a smart, funny, and above kind man who never failed to make my days spent with him much more bearable. He is clearly loved and missed. Be safe, all.
I never met Sir Ian, but I know his parents and his siblings. If he was anything like them, he was indeed special. My heart aches for this wonderful family.
I was heartbroken to here of Ian’s passing. Ian was a wonderful young man. I am praying for you, Tim, and Ian’s family and friends.
Dear family
Tim,Kim,Connor, Emma and Quinn
I’m so sorry. I’m not there but my heart is grieving along with yours.
Ian was a special person and will remain in my thoughts and heart.
Bless you dear ones.
Aunt Jackie
This is a horrifying loss. If it’s any small comfort, we will be praying for all of you at St. Francis Episcopal in Eureka over the coming weeks. May God welcome Ian into his eternal love and peace, and may your family find comfort in the days ahead.
Kim and Tim,
I was deeply sadden and heart broken to hear the news of your loss. As a long time Scouter friend of both of you, I know all of your friends in Scouting have your family in their thoughts and prayers. I only met Ian a few times but know from the highlights of his life you shared with us he brought great joy to so many people.
We send our deepest sympathy to you, Kim and Tim, and to your children for the loss of your dear Ian. May God be with you at this sad time.
Deepest sympathy to Kim, Tim, and their family, and also to Ian’s many friends. I am hoping and praying for all of you during this difficult time.
Tim,
I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking and praying for you and your family today.
My deepest sympathies to Tim, Kim, Charlotte, Emma and Quinn. My thoughts are with your family today.
I had the chance to work with Ian for around 3-4 months. I wish I could say I knew him better. What little time we had together, though, I wouldn’t trade for the world. He had such a beautiful soul and such a big heart for the people and world around him. My heart aches for all who knew Ian. Even though didn’t know him as well as I would have wanted, I will never forget him. His memory lives on forever through his family and friend and through the love they have for him. Sending love and thinking of you in this turbulent time.
So sorry for your loss. In quiet times of remembrance we hope your comforts can come in the warm memories of heartfelt moments and hearty laughter shared together.
Peace be with you.
Kim and family, my deepest sympathy on your loss.
Words cannot express my sorrow. If you need anything, I will try and help.