Wendell Rowe

Rowe James Wendell Rowe, loving family man, and legendary catfisherman, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, at the age of 68. Born June 25, 1957, Wendell lived a full life characterized by hard work and devotion to family.

Wendell was a good man who deeply loved his family. As a young man, Wendell married Tammy Denise Blackwood. Though they later parted, they built a life together and raised two beloved children: Jacob L. Rowe and Wendy Brooke Masterson. Wendell’s family grew when he became “Papa” to his grandchildren Darrien Shane Hester, Kamry Jade Hester, and Kendal Brooke Masterson, and, later, to his great-grandsons Daxton, Ryver, and Tatum Hester. He enjoyed spending time on his property North of Seminole watching the kids ride four-wheelers, visiting with siblings, and hosting Sunday dinners.

Wendell spent his working years forging a career in the oilfield. He was a true professional who ran drilling crews, sold drill bits, and owned several businesses. He was a tough man to work for, but he always got the job done. If you worked with him, you were guaranteed to learn something; if you didn’t, you weren’t paying attention.

When the work was done, Wendell traded his steel-toed boots for a fishing pole. He was a master of catfishing, whether he was running trot lines at the North Canadian River or camping below the dam at Webber’s Falls. Joining him was a masterclass in the craft, where you learned how to tie a knot, bait a hook, and probably got to reel in a big one. The best part of any fishing trip, however, was the spectacular fish fry that followed. They were always filled with good food, good stories, and a couple of stiff drinks.

Wendell is preceded in death by his ex-wife, Tammy; his parents, Hugh Jackson Rowe and Stella Jane Rowe Burleson; and his siblings, Walter Alan Rowe, Barbara June Stephenson; Hugh Jackson Rowe Jr., and Jo Kathryn Rowe.

He is survived by his children, Jacob Leon Rowe and Wendy Brooke Masterson; his grandchildren, Darrien Shane Hester, Kamry Jade Hester, and Kendal Brooke Masterson; his great-grandsons: Daxton, Ryver, and Tatum Hester; his siblings: Carole Summers, Linda Simmons, Margaret Clapp, Jerry Rowe, and Jesse Rowe; and countless other friends and colleagues that will miss him very much.

Wendell will be laid to rest at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, at Little Cemetery in Little, Oklahoma.