Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Stanley Dowell Obituary
Jan. 23, 1930 - Jan. 29. 2018
San Jose, CA
Stan L. Dowell passed away January 29th, 2018 at his residence in Foley, Alabama. He was born in Williams, California on January 23rd, 1930, and raised in Woodland, California where he graduated from Woodland High School. He served in the army during the Korean war at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, where he trained and competed with the boxing squad. He graduated from San Jose State University with a Commercial Art degree and a minor in Physical Education. He met his wife Dorothy Plumbe of Santa Cruz, California at San Jose State University and they married in 1960. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary before his passing.
Stan contributed thirty years of his life teaching in the San Jose East Side Unified School district. He taught art in his early career, and later focused on Physical Education and his passion, coaching track and field. He was awarded California High School Coach of the Year and runner-up for National High School Coach of the Year. He retired from teaching in 1989, yet continued to coach, coaching Saudi Arabia's National track team and traveling the world. Stan finished his coaching career at the University of Southern Alabama. He continued to paint and draw and show his art throughout his life. Depictions of the early American West was his love.
His passion for life, track, and art touched many lives and he mentored students to art awards and track scholarships. He produced two olympic gold medalists who have been his lifetime friends: Lee Evans in the Mexico 1968 Games and Andre Phillips in the Seoul 1988 Games. Many will remember Stan for his colorful language and slogans, "There's no such thing as luck, only hard work!" and "Conditioning breeds Confidence!" He is survived by his wife Dorothy Dowell and their four children Stan R. Dowell, Shawn Ebert, Karen Keller, and Kristen Dowell.
A memorial is being held to celebrate his life in San Jose History Park at the Empire Firehouse located at 635 Phelan Avenue in San Jose, California on Saturday, March 10th from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.
View the online memorial for Stanley L. Dowell "Coach"
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stanley Dowell
Sponsored by San Jose Mercury News.
Michael Licalsi
May 23, 2024
Rest in peace Coach Dowell. Everyone respected you, loved you and learned a ton from you.
March 4, 2018
I remember Coach Dowell from my high school days at Independence High School. He held everybody to an extreme level, which was much needed in school. I was always impressed by Coach Dowell and appreciated how he treated, encouraged and motivated everybody. He was a great man. I am very sorry for your loss and will always carry fond memories of Coach Dowell.
John Rembao
March 4, 2018
I had the pleasure of getting to know Stan. He always gave a 100%. He expected no less from his athletes, many of which have gone on to be Olympians and world-class coaches. He changed peoples lives. My condolences go out to his family.
kathy prunk
March 2, 2018
I was so sorry to hear of Mr Dowell's
passing. My sympathy to the family.
The Coach was my art/crafts instructor
and I was very glad. He was talented,
pleasant, safety minded and all this with
a class of wood working teens. We would
draw our basic designs. The Coach would
cut them out with a jigsaw and 'present'
this to each with a firm 'Make it your own!'Good advice for so much in life. RIP to an outstanding teacher. Thank you.
David Long
February 26, 2018
Coach Dowell, tough guy, yes he was. I Loved the coaches energy and passion for challenging and training us on the track. You knew every day that you were in for a workout. He would tell us, "If you think this workout is too TOUGH, just ask me to join you and I will run it with you". I never had a doubt that Coach Dowell could do the workout. I had the pleasure and honor to train and workout with Lee Evans my sophomore year. Special! Coach Dowell lead us to the 1965 MHAL Varsity track Championship that year. My condolences go out to the Dowell Family. You all were so...Blessed to have him in your lives, and he will be deeply missed! GOD Bless You. I will never forget Coach Dowell. Anytime his name comes up it puts a Smile on my face. Love you Coach!!!
Rafael Morales
February 20, 2018
"RIP Coach" We trembled in your presence yet we respected you. I myself respected you because you never asked anything of us that you were not willing to do or could do yourself. To us you stood 6ft tall and had calves of steel with a salty grit to match. You were the John Wayne of couches. May they pardon you with your colorful tongue in Heaven because you earned a place there. I still see your silver painted mail truck dragging a steel fence on the track to smooth it out. We will miss you. Rafael Independence High School 1981-82
Bud Winter 1968 Mexico Games postcard to Stan
February 19, 2018
Bud Winter 1968 Mexico Games Postcard to Stan (regarding Lee)
February 19, 2018
Stan and Andre Phillips
February 19, 2018
Stan with Andre's gold
February 19, 2018
Stan and Andre Phillips
February 19, 2018
Stan And Andre Phillips
February 19, 2018
Stan and Capelle
February 19, 2018
Stan and Andre Phillips
February 19, 2018
Stan and Lee Evans
February 18, 2018
Stan with Mac Wilkins? at the Big Guys Games?
February 18, 2018
Stan and Lee Evans
February 18, 2018
Bud Winter letter to Stan
February 18, 2018
Stan at Independence High School
February 18, 2018
Lee Evans, Stan Dowell, Andre Phillips
February 18, 2018
Stan and Devore Dorothy Plumbe
February 18, 2018
Stan's drawing
February 18, 2018
Bud Winter, Lee Evans, Stan Dowell
February 18, 2018
Stan and Lee Evans
February 18, 2018
Stan's created logo East Side Unified High School District
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Another logo version Stan created for ESUHSD
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Stan's favorite footballer
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
A Remington study, one of Stan's favorite American West artists
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Another drawing...
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Another study drawing...
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Footballer...
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Stan at his home in Fairhope, AL
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Painted Wood cuts of Trixie and Pixie for kids room
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Watercolor
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Some of Stan's artwork
Kristen Dowell
February 18, 2018
Barbara LaFranchi Leahy
February 18, 2018
Stan, a unique man, who was a positive force, who touched many lives, leaves this earth a better place due to his untiring and caring efforts. He will always be remembered by those he encouraged to achieve their best in pursuing their dreams. So glad to have known you Stan.
Michael Gottwald
February 18, 2018
So sorry for your lost I offer my condolences to you and your family for your loss
February 15, 2018
My condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you and give you peace. Romans 15:13.
Showing 1 - 38 of 38 results
Make a Donation
in Stanley Dowell's name
Memorial Events
for Stanley Dowell
How to support Stanley's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Stanley Dowell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
