John Douglas McDowell

August 15, 1928 - February 13, 2007

John Douglas McDowell, son of John McDowell and Emma Jean Martin McDowell, was born August 15, 1928 in Breckenridge, Missouri and died February 13, 2007 at Israel Family Hospice in Ames, Iowa at the age of 78 years, 5 months and 18 days. J.D. as he was lovingly known, moved with his family to Rippey when he was two years old. He graduated from Rippey Concolidated School in 1945. J.D. married Janice Challands on APril 22, 1956 at the First United Methodist Church in Perry. They were parents of three sons, Craig, and twins David and Dennis Jon. J.D. served in the U.S. Army from September of 1950 to July 17, 1952 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. He served in Korea, earning several medals. J.D. had worked for WIlson Service in Rippey and later owned and operated McDowell's 66 Station at that site. After selling the business he worked for Osmundsons in Perry and later for Alan Pound Construction in Jefferson. In earlier days he enjoyed his memberships in the Elmo Masonic Ledge and the American Legion Post in Rippey. J.D. served as a volunteer fireman for many years. J.D. loved fishing, hunting, playing cards and all sports. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Dennis Jon McDowell who died at birth; brother, Leonard McDowell; and sister-in-law, Enid McDowell. J.D. is survived by his wife, Janice if Rippey; 2 sons, Carig McDowell of Des Moines, and David McDowell and wife Chris of Ogden; 2 grandchildren, Mackenzie and Garrett McDowell of Ogden; sister, Virginia Wernli and husband Berni of Newton; 2 brothers, Ralph and Leon and wife Donna all of Perry; sisters-in-law, Mary Jane McDowell of Copperas Cove, TX, Joyce Laub and husband Louie of Grand Junction, Sharon Laub and husband Russ of Rippey; nieces, nephes, other relatives and friends.