Kenneth James "Ken" Rouse

Kenneth James 'Ken' Rouse, 88, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at home surrounded by his family.

Ken was born on June 15, 1937, in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He graduated from Muskogee Central High School in the Class of 1955, where he served as homeroom class president. Following high school, Ken built a life marked by hard work, faith, devotion to family, and a deep appreciation for God's creation.

Ken was employed for 42 years at Owens-Illinois, formerly Brockway Glass, retiring in 1997. His long career reflected his strong work ethic, reliability, and commitment to providing for his family.

After the death of his son, Scott Rouse, and much heart break, Ken came to know the Lord, Jesus Christ, as his Savior, a decision that profoundly changed his life. He became a devoted Christian, serving as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at both Ash Street Missionary Baptist Church and Grandview Baptist Church. Ken loved God's Word and encouraged others to seek the Lord, often pointing them to the writings of the Apostle Paul, especially the Book of Romans. He left behind written words of encouragement for his family, urging them to continue growing in faith and to know and enjoy God's peace.

An avid outdoorsman, Ken loved fishing, hunting, camping, and gardening. Even as his physical strength declined, he continued growing tomatoes in containers from his walker and wheelchair. When he could no longer do the things he once loved, he found joy in sitting in the sun, watching birds, and appreciating the beauty of God's creation. He often referred to himself as a 'man's man', content with life's simple pleasures.

Ken shared a special bond with his rescue dog, Mocha, whom he adopted from the Muskogee Animal Shelter. He often said that Mocha had chosen him, and that he had been the one rescued. Mocha was his constant companion and best friend, and Ken found great comfort in him, especially after becoming ill earlier in the year.

Ken was not a perfect man, but he was a man of faith and humility. As Scripture says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). Ken lived as long as the Lord allowed, until he was peacefully called home. He had told many that he believed he would be going home at Christmas, and on December 27, 2025, that promise was fulfilled.

Ken was preceded in death by loved ones who welcomed him home, including his son, Kenneth Scott Rouse; and his grandfather, Nate, whose passing on the same date in 1955 was a meaningful connection Ken often reflected upon; grandmother, Attie (Moses) Rouse; his father, Clarence Rouse; his mother, Nina (Rhoden) Rouse; sisters, Connie Sue Miller and Frances Lee Farmer; and his brother, Thomas Michael Rouse.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Mary M. Rouse of the home; son, James B. 'Jim' Rouse and wife Deidre of Coweta, Oklahoma; daughter, Darla R. Wiggins and husband Carter of Snyder, Texas; Scott's widow, Linda Spears of Muskogee; grandchildren, Kimberly D. Meadors of Muskogee, Christopher Scott Rouse and wife Cheramy of Muskogee, Bradley James Rouse and Savana Hudspeth of Muskogee, Vaughn Wiggins and wife Jazmin of Snyder, Texas, Wyl Wiggins and wife Kayla of New Braunfels, Texas, and Syd Wiggins and wife Libby of Synder, Texas; great-grandchildren, Tyler P. Meadors, Hunter J. Rouse, Adyson Blankenship, Ava Rouse, Grace Wiggins, Shilah Juarez, Byron Baez, Sunny Wiggins, Hollis Wiggins, Silas Wiggins, Wren Wiggins, and Bailee Rouse; great-great-grandchild, Leia Rouse; along with cousins, Donna S. Beach of Muskogee and Lester R. Rouse of Muskogee; brother-in-law, Bill Miller of Muskogee; sister-in-law, Hazel Rouse of Owasso; several nieces, nephews, and extended family who will cherish his memory.

Until we meet again, in our heavenly bodies.

Ken's life will be celebrated 10AM, Monday, January 5, 2026, at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Chapel in Fort Gibson with Brother Justin Kinman officiating. Committal prayers and interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery in Muskogee with Christopher Scott Rouse, Bradley James Rouse, Vaughn Wiggins, Wyl Wiggins, Syd Wiggins, Tyler P. Meadors, and Hunter James Rouse serving as casket bearers.

The family of Kenneth James Rouse has entrusted his care, service, and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555.

Online condolences may be left for the Rouse family at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com.