Otis Everett Rowland

Otis Everett Rowland, 89, of Dewey, passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025. Otis was born November 14, 1936, in Dewey, Oklahoma, to Virgil Leon and Viola Mae (Brown) Rowland. He grew up in Dewey and graduated from Dewey High School. Shortly after, Otis enlisted in the Marines on June 2, 1954, and was active duty for more than 31 years, retiring in 1985 as a Major. He had served in various locations around the world, including Camp Pendleton; Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego where he was a drill instructor during the Vietnam War; Lubbock, Texas; Okinawa; and Hawaii. He received numerous awards, including Rifle Expert Badge, Pistol Expert Badge, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Certificate of Commendation, Meritorious Mast, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Meritorious Service Medal. After his military retirement, Otis was employed as Athletic Director at Camp Pendleton and then later for Senior Softball at various locations, including Sacramento, California. He was inducted into the Senior Softball USA (SSUSA) Hall of Fame in 2010 as a National Director and was instrumental in developing the Senior Softball National Umpire Corps. Otis retired from being an athletic director in 2015. “Otis Rowland was instrumental in growing the sport of Senior Softball, both Nationally and Internationally, for more than two decades,” said Terry Hennessy, SSUSA Chief Executive Officer. “He was a close friend and mentor.” In addition to softball, Otis’ hobbies included playing BINGO, bird hunting and golfing. His family and friends have a lot of good memories and will miss him saying, “Love you, buddy.” Otis is survived by three children, David L. Rowland and wife Prestene V., Karen R. Wilcox and husband Charles, and Keith B. Rowland; eight grandchildren, John Rowland and wife Danielle, Jessica Pittman, Jason Rowland and wife Nicole, Jana Moreno and husband TJ, Jennifer Rowland, Tyler Wilcox and wife Stephanie, Samuel Wilcox and wife Bobbi, and Kaitlyn Smith; nine great-grandchildren; and a brother, Burl E. Rowland and wife DeNeil. Otis was preceded in death by two wives, Naomi Sue (Jones) Rowland in 2002, and Shirley Viles Rowland on December 22, 2024; his parents, Virgil and Viola Rowland; two brothers, James and Leroy Rowland; and two sisters, Wanda and Wilma Rowland. Private family services will be held at his graveside with military rites accorded to him. Burial will be at Dewey Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Davis Family Funeral Home – Dewey Chapel, 113 S. Osage Ave., Dewey, OK 74029, 918-534-3030. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.DavisFamilyFuneralHome.com.

Otis Everett Rowland

November 14, 1936 - November 29, 2025