Joseph Paul McDowell, 69, of Indiana, entered the arms of Jesus immediately after being released from his loving family’s arms on Monday, April 1, 2019. Born on May 22, 1949 in Indiana, Joe was a son of the late Paul and Josephine (Ruggeri) McDowell.
He grew up on a farm in Heshbon with many wonderful and loving memories. Joe began his career in the United States Marine Corps and served on the USS Coral Sea during the Vietnam War. He was a proud Marine. “Not as lean, not as mean, but still a Marine”. After his discharge, Joe worked at the Homer City Power Plant where he went on to retire as a lineman from First Energy.
He was the most loving husband of Terry (Reid) McDowell and blessed her life in marriage on June 9, 1990. There are no words to describe the love that he showed her each and every day.
He was a devoted father of Aaron (Tina) McDowell; Rachel (Chris) Newlin and Taylor and Jimmy McDowell. Joe was incredibly proud of his children but humble in his estimation of his influence.
He was the big brother of Pauline (Don) Stitt, Richard (Jan) McDowell, Marion Fyock, Juanita Mullen, George McDowell and Ron (Pat) McDowell. He couldn’t have asked for more supportive and loving brothers and sisters.
Joe was the “adopted by marriage” big brother of Mike (Hope) Reid, Brian Reid and Darrin (Aileen) Reid. Joe also had a very special cousin Bill (Dee) Swanson and very special friend, Denny (Karol) Wells.
He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews and loved as a second father by Nikki, Shauni and Tommy McDowell and Josh and Jaime Reid.
In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by his in-laws, John and Janet Reid.
Joe was a dedicated member and Head Trustee of the Chapel of Hope in Blacklick. He was also a lifetime member of the Indiana VFW, Post 1989.
Friends will be received Wednesday evening, April 3rd from 6 to 8 PM and again on Thursday, April 4th from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home of Indiana. His funeral service will be held Friday Morning at 11 AM at the Chapel of Hope church in Blacklick. Pastor David Kimball will officiate. Burial with graveside military honors will be provided by the Blairsville Military Service Group, including members of the Blairsville American Legion, Post 0407 and the Blairsville VFW, Post 5821.
Online condolences may be made at: rbfh.net.
