C R Rowton

C R Rowton, 71, of Tushka, Oklahoma, passed away on February 2, 2026, at 4:40 p.m., leaving behind a life rich with purpose, laughter, resilience, and deep love. Born in Tushka and rooted there his entire life, C R was a man of the land, a keeper of history, and the steady heart of his family.
C R's strength was shaped early in life. At just 13 years old, after the loss of his father, he stepped up to help care for his mother and take responsibility for the land. That sense of duty, perseverance, and quiet strength never left him. The land wasn't just where he lived-it was who he was. He once said, "I was born on this land and it's in my blood, and that's why it flourishes."
C R was unforgettable. Witty, clever, and sharp as a tack, he had a razor-sharp memory and a spontaneous sense of humor that could catch you off guard and leave you laughing. He was intelligent, charismatic, charming, mischievous, and sometimes ornery-but always in a way that made you smile. He worked hard, thought deeply, and lived fully, all while carrying a generosity of spirit that drew people to him.
He believed deeply in the value of hard work and made sure his children understood it-not through lectures, but through doing. Farming wasn't just his livelihood; it was his classroom. From tending crops and caring for cattle to the family firewood business, C R taught his children what discipline, responsibility, and reward truly meant. Together they cleared land, cut trees, split firewood, and hauled it all the way to Dallas, Texas to sell. It was grueling, honest work-and it shaped strong hands, strong character, and values that will live on through generations.
C R had a lifelong love of history and an endless curiosity about the world. One of his great joys was watching cooking shows-not just for the food, but for the stories behind it. He loved learning the history and origin of dishes, then heading into the kitchen to create his own recipes, blending knowledge, creativity, and instinct the way only he could.
He took quiet pride in the simple, meaningful victories of life: a good crop after good weather, a strong herd of cows safely sheltered in a solid barn, or the satisfaction of growing a perfect yellow-meat watermelon or sweet corn that people would stand in line for every summer. These moments mattered to him because they represented care, patience, and doing things the right way.
Above all, C R was proud of his family. He loved his children and grandchildren fiercely and without condition. He showed love through actions-through life lessons and through making sure those he loved were cared for. His heart was big enough to include not only his own children, but all of their friends as well. If you were part of his family's life, you were part of his heart.
C R is survived by his wife of 53 years, Sharon Kay Rowton; his children Lori J Walker and husband Shannon Walker, Chris Rowton, Emily Rowton; his grandsons Luke Rowton and Brody Rowton; nieces Jennifer Effland and husband Richard Fleece; Ginger and Steve Goss, Julie and Dean Riddell; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews who will carry forward the lessons he lived every day.
C R Rowton leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience, curiosity, humor, generosity, and love. His stories, his lessons, and his big, good heart will continue to shape the lives of those who were lucky enough to know him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Johnny Ray Rowton, his parents, Carman and Ruth Rowton and siblings, Maurice, Kenneth, Louise and Carole and his In-laws, William and Emiline Waggoner, grandmother, Kate Loudermilk Rowton.
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DATE OF SERVICES: 02:00 PM Friday, February 6th, 2026
PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Wendell Ingram
INTERMENT: Tushka Cemetery, Tushka, Oklahoma
CASKETBEARERS: James Hudson, James Workman, Randy Howard, Richard Howard, Kevin Richardson, Frank Greenthaler
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Bobby Graham, Bobby Willis, Grover Phillips, Gary Meadows, Ricky Meadows, Marvin Leeper, Danny Stricklend, Steve Stricklend

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
FAMILY NIGHT IS THURSDAY 6-8PM
SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK