Rayonse David Rowe

Rayonse David Rowe, passed away on October 24, 2024, at his home in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He was affectionately known as” Ray” and was born on December 21, 1974, in Kansas City, Kansas. Ray accepted our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at an early age at Christ’s Church of the Jesus Hour in Kansas City, Kansas under Pastor Russell W. Davis Sr.

In 1983, Ray’s family moved from Kansas City, Kansas to Rochester, MN where he attended Elton Hills Elementary School. In 1987, the family moved to Florissant, Missouri where Ray attended Hazelwood Junior High School. The family moved back to Rochester, Minnesota in 1989, where Ray graduated from John Marshall High School, class of 1993.

Ray had an infectious smile, enjoyed life and his personality developed where he was quite the entertainer. He never met a stranger. Ray was fun to be around, loved music and dancing. Ray was known far and wide for his dancing skills, where he would “Raise the Roof” on the dance floor. Ray was also an avid sports enthusiast and an excellent bowler; he was known for his “grillin and chillin” excellence. He loved karaoke and traveling to visit family and friends. Most of all Ray loved his family, and had a compassionate and forgiving heart for others.

After high school graduation Ray enrolled at Inver Groves Heights Community College where he met and married Sonja Swanson. To this union the loves of his life were born, Mishya and Marcell. He also became a Cat Dad to his “ride or die” Ragdoll cat named “Halo” or as we called her, "Princess Halo” for over 17 years until her passing in 2023. Becoming a father added purpose and a new direction for Ray’s life. He enlisted into the United States Army, advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant and he served with honor for 18 years and 4 months.

Upon Ray’s discharge from the Army, he and Halo headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma where Mishya and Marcell were attending college. Ray was employed at NFI Industries at their Kimberly-Clark location in Jenks, Oklahoma.

Left to cherish loving memories in our hearts, he is survived by his parents, Pastor Kenneth Sr. and Ostell Rowe of Rochester, MN, his daughter, Mishya (Adam) Holly of Glendale, Az, his son, Marcell Rowe of Tulsa, OK, his brothers Kenneth Rowe Jr., El Cajon, CA, Terrence (Arlene) Rowe of Rochester, MN, his stepbrothers, David Stuckey Jr. of Kansas City, KS, Darrell Stuckey of Kansas City, KS, his grand-daughter, Eden Holly and his grand-son, Ezra Holly, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.