Richard R. McDowell

Richard R. McDowell, of Roanoke, died Tuesday, August 12, 2008. He was a graduate of Roanoke College where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was a member of Second Presbyterian Church. Mr. McDowell served as an Army Air Force officer during World War II, was wounded and was a prisoner of war. Along with other medals, he was honored by the Air Force with the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mr. McDowell was retired from General Motors Corporation. He served on the Roanoke SPCA board for several years and was a longtime volunteer at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital Rehabilitation Center where he served over 6,700 hours. Mr. McDowell is survived by his wife, Marianne Moorman McDowell; two cousins, Noel Fricke, of Hilton Head, S.C., and Richard Fricke ,of Ridgewood, N.J.; and his little Yorkie companion, Fergie. Graveside services will be conducted 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 15, 2008, in Greenwood Cemetery, Bedford. A memorial service will be conducted 2 p.m. on Friday at Second Presbyterian Church, Roanoke, with Dr. George C. Anderson and L. Gerald Carter officiating. Those wishing to make memorials are asked to consider the Roanoke Valley SPCA, 1340 Baldwin Avenue, Roanoke, Va. 24012 or the Roanoke Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 11525, Roanoke, Va. 24022. Arrangements by Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford, Va., 540-586-3443.