Robert F. McDowell: 1928 – 2008
Robert F. McDowell, 80, a resident of rural Avilla, died at 10 p. m. on Thursday, December 11, 2008, at the family residence in Green Township following an extended illness.
Mr. McDowell was born in fort Wayne on March 19, 1928, a son of Rosswell C. and Carrie Inez (Fusselman) McDowell, and spent his early years in Ohio. As a youth he moved to Noble County near Merriam with his parents, and graduated from Wolf Lake High School in 1946.
On January 9, 1949 he was married in Merriam to Mary Lou Harlan, and had lived at his present farm home in Green Township for the past 50 years. Engaged in farming in Noble County for much of his adult life, he had also been employed as a machinist at Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne for 30 years, retiring from there in 1992.
He was a member of the Merriam Christian Chapel, Noble County Farm Bureau, had previously served on the board of directors for the Noble County Fair, and served for eight years and was past president of the Indiana State Fair board of directors.
The surviving relatives include his wife Mary Lou; three sons Rick (Sharon) McDowell and Brent (Lib) McDowell, both of Avilla, and Gary (Vikki) McDowell of Albion; two daughters Jill (Terry) Shively of Columbia City and Holly (Wayne) Gibson of Churubusco; 13 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters Pauline Clark and Marceil Scott.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a. m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008, in the Merriam Christian Chapel with Pastor Terry L. Zolman, officiating.
The family will receive friends at the church multi-purpose room on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m., or one hour prior to the service Tuesday morning.
Interment will be in the Christian Chapel Cemetery, Merriam.
For those who wish, memorials may be directed to the Merriam Christian Chapel Missionary Fund.
Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco is in charge of the arrangements.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. McDowell’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
December 13th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
Bob was a fine man and a gentleman. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Our sympathy to all the family.
December 14th, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Holly and family,
I remember getting to know your father when we played softball together. He was always a wonderful and interesting person to talk to!
My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family today and in the days to come.
December 15th, 2008 at 10:34 am
A friend of 4-H and Noble County youth, Bob gave of his time and talent to make our program and Fair (both county and state) run smoothly. Always with a smile and a kind word. A fine gentleman who always conducted himself with class.
My thoughts are with you. Cherish the memories.
December 15th, 2008 at 11:09 am
Holly, Wayne and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Hold fast to fond memories and know that dad rests in peace. It will be his first Christmas with Jesus.
With our love,
Patrick and Anne Grawcock
December 15th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Mary Lou
My thoughts ans prayers are with you and your family.It isn’t easy but life goes on and no can take your memories away from you and they do help as I know.
God be with you.
Ruth Ott
December 15th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
Lib,
So sorry to hear of the loss of you father-in-law. There are no words to help with the pain of your loss. God is with you and will bring you comfort. I am praying for your family.
Tim and Anita Noland
December 16th, 2008 at 10:02 am
McDowell Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Bob’s death. Will keep you all in our prayers and know that God will help you through the days and weeks ahead.
Larry, Kathy and Leslie Shively
December 16th, 2008 at 10:29 pm
Brent and Family,
So sorry to read about the loss of your Father. We will be thinking of you during this difficult time and wishing you peace and healing.
With Sympathy,
Daryl & Carolyn (Geiger) Erwin
Churubusco, IN
December 17th, 2008 at 8:12 am
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Brent Brumbaugh
December 19th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Holly and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. May you always have the happy memories to hold fast to and know he is at peace especially during this holiday season. Hugs to all!
January 21st, 2009 at 10:20 pm
<p>Jill and family, i just read about your Dad…. i am so sorry… you’re in my prayers… thinking of you xoxo..i always enjoyed your family and the time i spent w/ you.</p>