Stephen Mcdowell

Stephen “Steve” McDowell, 81, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2007 at his home in Independence. A visitation will be from 9-10:00 AM, Friday, Dec. 28 at the Carson-Speaks Chapel, 1501 W. Lexington Ave., Indep., and a celebration of life service will begin at 10:00 AM; burial at Mount Washington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to either Mt. Washington United Methodist Church or the charity of your choice.
Steve was born June 24, 1926 in Deerfield, MO to Leo and Avis (Ruddell) McDowell. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, playing golf, and watching sports, but most importantly, enjoyed helping people. He volunteered at the Fairmont Christian Church food pantry after his retirement from General Motors. Steve was a member and also an usher at Mt. Washington United Methodist Church for 50 years.
Steve enjoyed his children. One of his favorite things to do was playing in the snow. He built igloos and enjoyed sledding on hills around the neighborhood, long into the night. Steve loved and enjoyed his family.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters: Virginia Fowler and Mary Rinehart, and leaves behind his wife of nearly 60 years, Elsie (Town) McDowell; three children: Bev Forlow, Steve McDowell and wife Mary Anne, and Gary McDowell and wife June; brother, Jack McDowell and wife Betty; seven grandchildren: Kenny Forlow and wife Susan, Michael Forlow and wife Mandi, Jenny Braden, Terry Pointer, Trevor McDowell, Madeline McDowell, and Kiloh McDowell; five great-grandchildren: Alex and Christian Balmer, Jacob and Kyle Forlow, and Hanah Forlow; and a host of extended family and many friends.