Louie J. Rouse, Jr.

Louie J. Rouse, Jr., 79, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2025, at the VA Hospital in Muskogee, surrounded by his loving family. Born August 9, 1946, in Fort Smith, Arkansas, to Louie J. Rouse, Sr. and Marie (Quinton) Rouse, Louie grew up in a military family that instilled in him a deep sense of duty, faith, and love for others. After graduating from Vian High School, he attended electronic trade school in California, gaining skills that would shape a distinguished career. Drafted into the United States Army on April 4, 1967, Louie served with honor in combat during the Vietnam War, earning a Bronze Star Medal among other honors. He was honorably discharged on April 3, 1969, as a sergeant. His service fueled a lifelong commitment to veterans; he rode with the Patriot Guard Riders to honor fallen heroes and traveled to Washington, D.C., for veteran and military rallies. Following his military service, Louie devoted more than 30 years to Indian Health Service as a Biomedical Engineer and later Acting Director of the Biomedical branch. He retired in 2002, leaving a legacy of excellence and leadership. On September 17, 1971, Louie married the love of his life, Brenda Kay Johnson, in Poteau, Oklahoma. Together for 54 years, they built a home filled with laughter, faith, and unwavering love. After many happy years in Blackgum, they moved to Fort Gibson in 2020 to be closer to family. A faithful servant of God, Louie was a longtime member of Blackgum First Baptist Church before joining Fort Gibson First Baptist Church, where he continued to worship and serve. Louie found joy in life’s simple pleasures: fishing in the pond with his grandkids, tinkering in the garage, and working on cars—especially his beloved truck, “Ole Bob.” A gifted handyman who could fix anything (given enough time—ask Brant), he also loved spending time with his horses and proudly raced them at Blue Ribbon Downs, Will Rogers Downs. He coached Brant’s youth baseball teams, including the Blackgum Panthers, and never missed a grandchild’s event—whether jog-a-thons, school parties, football, baseball, basketball, softball, theatre, speech, swim meets, or award ceremonies. Louie will be remembered for his steadfast love for family, humble service to others, fierce patriotism, and unshakable faith. His hands built, repaired, and served, but it was his steady, kind heart that left the deepest mark on all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Brenda Rouse of the home; son, Brant Rouse and daughter-in-law, Jennifer of Fort Gibson; grandchildren, Weston Rouse, Addison Rouse, and Baylor Rouse, all of Fort Gibson; sister, Shirley Daniel and husband, Paul of Fort Worth, Texas; sister, Frances Spradling of Gore, Oklahoma; brother, Jeff Rouse and sister-in-law, Laurie of Welch, Oklahoma; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Rouse of Vian, Oklahoma. Louie was preceded in death by his parents, Louie J. Rouse, Sr. and Marie Quinton Rouse and his brother, Mike Rouse. Louie’s life was a testament to duty, love, and faith. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished. In lieu of flowers, the Rouse Family would like donations to be made in Louie’s name to the First Baptist Church Fort Gibson at Giving at First Baptist Church Fort Gibson and the Patriot Guard Riders at Donate - The Patriot Guard Riders of Oklahoma A Celebration of life for Louie will be held 11:00 AM Thursday November 13, 2025, at the First Baptist Church in Fort Gibson with Pastors Dale Ritter and Logan Lambert officiating. Brandon Foutch will eulogize. Committal prayers and inurnment will follow at Fort Gibson National Cemetery at 12:30PM where Military Honors will be observed rendered by Frank Gladd American Legion Post 20 of Fort Gibson. The family of Louie Rouse Jr. has entrusted his care, cremation, service and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home Fort Gibson, 9184782555. Online condolences may be left for the Rouse family at https://www.clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

Louie J. Rouse, Jr.

August 9, 1946 - November 5, 2025