Olen Edwin Rouw

Olen Edwin Rouw, 76, passed away on December 28, 2021.  He was born on January 25, 1945 in Figure Five, Arkansas, the youngest in the family with 3 older sisters. He played sports as soon as he could hold a ball in his hand. Olen kicked the first field goal at his high school in Van Buren, Arkansas; you can still see newspaper articles about that. After graduation, he headed off to the US Air Force. He worked as an air traffic controller and still managed to play basketball all over Europe. After being discharged, he returned to Arkansas and began college at Westark Junior College, now the University of Arkansas at Ft. Smith, Arkansas. There he met Susan Diana Taylor.  They dated throughout junior college and married on August 9th, 1969, before transferring to Arkansas Polytechnic College, now Arkansas Tech University at Russellivlle, Arkansas. They graduated from college and both went into education where they began teaching in Morrilton, Arkansas. In Morrilton, they also welcomed their daughters, Khristy in 1973, and Becky in 1975. Several years later they moved to Flippin, Arkansas. After coaching and teaching in Flippin and then Vilonia, Arkansas, they made the jump from Arkansas to Texas in 1983. They taught in Callisburg for 3 years before beginning their teaching careers in Gainesville. He & Susie taught in Gainesville for 14 years, where he was a very successful coach and teacher, impacting countless lives. In 2000, they moved to Cedar Hill, and after several years there, he retired as an educator and dedicated himself to continuing his lifetime career as a family man. He became the go-to man for the whole family.

He loved to fish, to spend time supporting his family and and former students, he loved basketball--most sports really.  Olen loved to travel, visiting over 30 countries in the last 10 years, loved his dogs and all animals, he enjoyed cooking out for his family, and walking the beaches early in the morning. He was active in numerous churches throughout his lifetime, always serving where he was most needed.

He was a loving husband, father, coach, teacher, and friend. He never missed a volleyball game, a football game, a track meet, a choir concert, a band concert, or a play or musical. He supported his wife, his daughters, his grandkids, and his former students. He was always just a phone call away for anyone who needed him. His love language was service.  He was always there to help--and if he was on your side, you were in good shape. He was loyal and strong and kind and generous. Once you were his, you were his for life.

Olen is preceded by his father Hiriam Rouw; mother Martha Webb; and stepfather Dee Lemley.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Susan Rouw; daughters: Khristy Hullett & Becky Hood & their husbands Shawn Hullett & Aaron Hood; grandchildren: Caitlin Hullett, JD Hullett, Quinn Hullett, Maggie Hood, and Riley Hood; beloved nieces and nephews;  adored dogs: Ollie & Tucker

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 15th, 2022 at 4pm at Midlothian Bible Church, 4250 FFM 663, Midlothian, TX 76065. A short reception will be held after in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a memorial donation to the Olen Rouw Scholarship Fund. Checks can be mailed to First State Bank, Attn: Tellers, PO Box 10, Gainesville, Texas 76240. Make checks payable to the Olen Rouw Scholarship. Electronic payments may be sent via venmo @Khristy-Hullett or paypal at khristy_hullett@hotmail.com. Please note Olen Rouw Scholarship when sending funds electronically.

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