Fred McDowell

Fred O. (Bud) McDowell

Born on July 2, 1920 in Dayton, TX, Bud grew up on the shores of Hood Canal near Hoodsport, WA. He graduated from Irene S. Reed High School in Shelton, WA in 1938. After attending Washington State University for one year, Bud went to work as an electrician working on submarines at Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, CA. In 1944 he joined the Army as a Air Corps Cadet and while in Carlsbad, NM met his future bride and love of his life, Barbara Wheatley.
After his military service, Bud and Barbara were married on July 26, 1946 in Artesia, NM. Following the wedding they moved to Seattle where Barbara began her teaching career and Bud enrolled at the University of Washington. He graduated in 1949 with a degree in Business Administration and also enjoyed an affiliation with Theta Chi Fraternity.
In 1949, Bud and Barbara built their home on Hood Canal where they raised their two children. Bud began his career as an employee of Simpson Timber Company in Shelton, where he worked in the accounting department for 31 years until his retirement in 1980. In 1996, after living on Hood Canal for 46 years, Bud and Barbara moved to their current home in Shelton.
As a Mountaineer, Bud climbed most of the major peaks in Washington and Oregon. Tennis, climbing, water and snow skiing were favorite pursuits, as was nearly any athletic activity. He and Barbara also loved to travel both in the U.S. and abroad.
Bud attended the United Methodist Church where he served as Treasurer for 11 years. He also served for 3 years on the Mark E. Reed Scholarship Board and was on the Supervisory Committee of the Simpson Credit Union for many years. During his younger years, Bud was an enthusiastic member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Other affiliations include the University of Washington Alumni Association, the American Legion and the Mason County Historical Society.
By far, Bud's greatest achievements in life were being a wonderful father to his children and a loving husband of Barbara for 64 years of marriage. He passed away at home on May 6, 2011 of an apparent heart attack. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Hazel and Fred McDowell, and sister Virginia Winkler. He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Michael (Kathy), daughter Susan Dodds (Vince), six grandchildren: Amy McDowell, Sarah Rickert (Mark), Samantha Evans, Josh McDowell (Ashlynn), Monica Dodds, and Parker Dodds; and three great-grandchildren: Moriah McDowell, Blake Rickert and Addyson Rickert.
Remembrances may be sent to Habitat for Humanity of Mason County, P.O. Box 1549, Shelton, WA 98584-1549, or charity of choice. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 15, 2011, at 2:00 pm at the United Methodist Church, 1900 King Street, Shelton, WA 98584; Phone #360-426-4174.