Danny "Toad" Rowden, age 56, of Iberia, passed away Wednesday, April 28, 2010, in Warsaw. He was born in Iberia on February 3, 1954, son of Otis Myrl and Edith (Moore) Rowden. On November 30, 1974, in Jefferson City, Danny married Marquita Jean Dougherty, who survives at the home.

He owned and operated Rowden Garage for over 30 years and was currently employed as garage supervisor at Jefferson City Correctional Center. He was a pioneer in the building and racing of High Performance Big Block Buick Engines. Danny held the world record for the Fastest Stage 2 Buick Powered Dragster for 5 years. He was also actively involved in the building of High Performance Engines for many different motor sports. Danny was a member of the Iberia Masonic Lodge 410 AF & AM and the Shriners.

He is survived by his wife, Marquita; two sons, Daniel S. Rowden of Columbia and Greg M. Rowden of Iberia; three grandchildren, Loghan Rowden, Landyn Rowden, and Addisyn Rowden; mother, Edith Rowden of Iberia; one brother, Vic Rowden and wife Alice of Buffalo; one sister Janell Keeth of Iberia; nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Otis Rowden and his grandparents.

Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2010, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Rev. Greg McClain will officiate. Interment will be in Madden Cemetery near Iberia.

Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m., with a Masonic Service at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, April 30, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.