Everett McDowell, 88, of Grand Island passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on Friday, August 21, 2020.
Everett was born September 17, 1931, oldest son of Glen and Helen (Schalansky) McDowell in Webster, KS.
Everett graduated the eighth grade from a country school in Smith
County, Kansas. He pursued his love for the land, buying his first
farmstead consisting of 250 acres at sixteen years old, and eventually
fulfilling his dream of having one thousand acres and one hundred head
of cattle.
On September 25, 1955, Everett married the love of his life, Joleen
Holmes beginning their life together on their farm near Athol in Smith
County. They loved their farm and caring for the land.
In 1976 they were called to serve as ordained elders in the World
Wide Church of God and moved to Grand Island. They made a life together
with love and teamwork in raising their nine children.
In addition to serving in the church, he started McDowell and Sons
Lawn Care Service in Grand Island. During the 35 plus years he owned the
business, he gave many youth their first job opportunity and instilled
in them a strong work ethic. He took pride in a job well done and
keeping everything in its place.
Everett enjoyed gardening with Joleen. They always had a large
garden and readily shared their harvest with others. He delighted in
growing many types of flowers, especially roses. He played a mean game
of pitch and loved playing Risk with his grandkids, but his real
competitive spirit showed while playing mini golf.
Everett is survived by his children, Brenda Struble of Medford, OK,
Brian (Debra) McDowell of Weston, MO, Brice McDowell of Phoenix, AZ,
Blake (Delonna) McDowell of Grand Island; Beverly (DeForest) Walker of
Loveland, CO, Beth (Mike) Lebeda of Medford, OK, Bridget (Tony) Tatum of
Wichita, KS, and Becky McDowell (Clark Gauthier) of Grand Island;
daughter-in-law, Rhonda McDowell of Spokane, WA; 24 grandchildren and 24
great-grandchildren; brothers, Duane “John” and Jerald “Sam”; sisters,
Pauline, Carol “Dot” and Ellen “Dee”; along with several nieces, nephews
and extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Joleen, on March
8, 2020; son, Brad on January 6, 2020; his parents; sisters, Glennis,
Joyce, Loretta, Margaret, and Terry; and daughter-in-law, Cindi
McDowell.
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