Richard McDowell

Richard Lee McDowell, known to most as Dick, passed away March 4th, 2021 at 3:30 am peacefully with his eldest daughter by his side in their residence in Choteau, MT he was 79 years old. Dick was born on May 8, 1941, in Mattoon, IL, to Morris and Rose McDowell. He graduated from Riddle High School in Mattoon, IL. After driving his roommate to Seattle, WA for a job interview with Boeing, he was invited to work with the company as well. He became a Quality Insurance inspector working with the Minuteman projects. He met his ex-wife Mary Anita Callahan (Deddens) in Lewiston, MT. They were married in 1963 in Sturgis, SD and had three children, Richard E. McDowell, Jo Ann L. McDowell, and Victoria S. McDowell. Working for Boeing, which precipitate him and his family to move around a lot, his love for music (Proud Mary was his favorite song and always requested), pool, and car shows (corvettes being his favorite). He was a devoted husband and a loving father.



In the late 70's, Dick had a life altering accident which changed his life, being the fighter he was and having to prove everyone wrong, Dick lived another 43 years filled with music, playing pool, loving the outdoors, always on the move, picking dandelion's, collecting pinecones, making piles of rocks and sticks, playing card, and bingo. His laugh was contiguous and his smile even more so.



Now Dick will be playing pool to his heart's content. We love you Dad and we'll miss you more than you will ever know. Watch over us all as we continue our journey without you, until we met again, forever in our hearts.



Dick is survived by his children Richard (Conni) McDowell of Great Falls, JoAnn McDowell of Choteau and Victoria "Vic" McDowell of Great Falls as well as two grandchildren Hunter McDowell (Noelle Walters) and Tesla McDowell both of Great Falls and ex-wife Mary Anita Callahan (Robert) Deddens.



Dick was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Rose McDowell and his brother Jerry McDowell.



In Lieu of flowers and condolences please direct memorials and heart felt sympathies for the McDowell family to Gorder-Jensen Funeral Home or www.gorderjensenfuneralhome.com. The family asks that all please respect their grieving process. Private family services will take place at a later date.