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John Dowd Obituary
John R. Dowd, Sr.
(1942-2020)
John R. Dowd, Sr., who served as County Attorney for Okaloosa County for over forty years, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2020. John was born on August 31, 1942 in DeRidder, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Dowd Sawyer and stepfather, Buzz Sawyer. He is survived by his beloved wife of 35 years, Carol Dowd, sister, Margie S. Murphy (Ed), son, John R. Dowd, Jr. (Martha), daughter, Tracy Overman, stepchildren, Tracy Gifford Chlebo (Paul) and Angela Crutchfield, many wonderful grandchildren including Chelsea Dowd, Lacey Dowd, Bailey Brooks, Trevor Brooks, Reese Overman, Marcus Crutchfield, Amanda Wiggins, and his nephew Daniel Jones and niece, Laura Claire Jones.
John attended Choctawhatchee High School and graduated from St. Bernard Prep School in Cullman, Alabama. His undergraduate studies were at the University of Florida. He was in the charter class at Florida State University College of Law, in which every member passed the Florida Bar Exam on the first attempt. After he graduated from law school, he came back to Fort Walton Beach and entered practice with his father-in-law, Ernest Wimberly. John later became the Okaloosa County Attorney, for which he served the longest tenure of any County Attorney ever in the State of Florida. He was a brilliant lawyer and assisted the County Commission in negotiating countless contracts to improve the quality of life of the citizens of Okaloosa County. He loved Okaloosa County and was honored to have the privilege to serve it for so many years.
John had an unbelievable way with people. When he spoke, you listened. His distinctive laugh and infectious smile were one of a kind which drew you in and will never be matched. You could think you were the most worthless person in the world and, after speaking with him for about five minutes, you would be on top of the world. He was always able to come up with the perfect strategy to get you through any dilemma, legal or otherwise. His confident nature, beautiful voice, and unwavering positivity will be profoundly missed.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Bernard Prep School at 1600 St. Bernard Dr., SE, Cullman, AL 35055 or the charity of your choice. Expressions of love and sympathy may be placed and viewed online at www.mclaughlinmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Dowd
Sponsored by McLaughlin Mortuary - Fort Walton Beach.
5 Entries
Anita Kroha
November 23, 2020
John, you helped me fight many a battle before Destin incorporated. Thanks for all your help in those days !
Linda Quinlan
November 23, 2020
I first met John in 1965 with my future husband, Michael Quinlan. John and his first wife Anne became great friends. We were in married housing at Florida State when John was in Law School. I was at the hospital when Ann gave birth to a nine-pound Junior. I am sorry to hear of his passing and send my love to Junior and Tracy.
Kevin and Christi O’Leary
November 21, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kevin and Christi O’Leary
November 21, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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Larry Sassano
November 20, 2020
I always had great respect for John and his approach to guiding legal issues for the County. Rest In Peace John.
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