Funeral services for Virgil “Buddy” Row will be held 10:00 am Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Central Christian Church with Susan Payne officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Ladusau Evans Funeral Home. Visitation will be Friday evening from 5:00 to 6:00 pm at Ladusau Evans Funeral Home and Crematory.
Buddy was born May 26, 1941, in Oilton, Oklahoma to C.P. and Anna Mae (Ausbrook) Row and passed away suddenly at St Mary’s Hospital in Enid, Oklahoma on January 12, 2024. He was raised in Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas, graduating from Madison High School in Madison, Kansas. Buddy joined the U.S. Navy in 1960 and served four years. Buddy was based out of San Diego and was assigned to the USS Jason, spending time in the Philippines (Subic Bay), Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan.
Buddy married Mary Ann Idelett in 1965. They had three children - Jeff, Adam and Brad. He married Ginger Fouts May on February 14, 1980 and became stepfather (Dad) to Patrick May.
Buddy worked at General Tool and Acme Tool in Hennessey for 3 years. He moved to Enid 1973 where he became store manager for Oil Field Rentals. In 1986 he formed a partnership with Harold Hamm and became President and General Manager of Oil Tool Rentals. He worked there for 22 years, retiring 2006 to start a new company, R&L Hydrostatic Tubing Testing. He served as managing owner for 15 years until it was sold in 2020 and he retired again.
Buddy was an active member of the Enid Oilmen’s Association for many years, serving as President for 3 years. He was also very involved in the national organization, Association of Energy Service Companies, serving as national president 1999-2000 and as an executive board member for 4 years.
Buddy enjoyed golf, tennis, snow skiing and traveling. He traveled to almost all the states, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South America and numerous Caribbean Islands.
Buddy was a member of the Enid Corvette Club where he made many amazing friendships. He was a member of Enid Free Methodist Church.
He is survived by his wife Ginger, sons Adam and wife Amber of Enid, Brad Row of Enid and Patrick May and wife Lane of Grand Bay, Alabama Grandchildren, Lindsey Moore and husband Korde of Tampa, Florida, Haley and Katlyn Haashman of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Alexis Shaw of Oklahoma City, Hunter Reinhart and husband Kacey of Jet, Oklahoma, Brandon Row of Napa Valley, California, Wyatt May of Grand Bay, Alabama, Briana French of Enid, Jessica Ellison and husband Dale of Stigler, Oklahoma and great granddaughter Lily Moore of Tampa, Florida.
He is preceded in death by his parents, son Jeff Row, daughter-in-law Brynda Row and brother Bill Row.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital or Hospice Circle of Love with Ladusau Evans serving as custodian of the funds.
Condolences to family may be made and viewing of services online at Ladusauevans.com