Robert J McDowell

A private service was held at Oaklawn Cemetery on Friday, June 23rd, for Robert J. McDowell, 91, who passed away on June 19th.  Mr. McDowell was a 60-year resident of Titusville.  He was born on July 16th, 1925, at Canton, Ohio, the eldest child of Mack & Helen McDowell.  In 1943, immediately upon graduating high school, he joined the US Merchant Marines and obtained diesel engine training.  On April 15, 1944, he was then commissioned into the US Army as a Second Lieutenant, and was stationed in the European Theatre during World War II as part of the 355th Harbor Craft Company of the Army Transportation Corp.  Prior to the end of his active service, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant; and returned to the States in August 1946.

Within a few weeks of his return, he was married to his wife of nearly 71 years, Dorie.  Later, after moving to Florida, he was employed for 30 years as an Utility Foreman with Pan American World Airways (later Johnson Controls) at the Space Center.  He retired in June 1987.

Mr. McDowell was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Tom; a sister, Inez; and his infant son, Tommy Ray.  He is survived by his wife; his sons Tim and Jeff; his daughter, Lori; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by four sisters:  Jackie, Etta, Jane and Rose.  He was much loved by all his family, and will be greatly missed.

 Service Information