Mansfield, Ohio
1938 - 2014 (Age 76)
John W. McDowell
MANSFIELD: John William MCDOWELL, 76, of 420 Sherman Place passed this life on Wednesday, August 27, 2014 in Akron General Medical Center.
Mr. McDowell was born on Monday, March 28, 1938 to the late Leon Lafayette and Agnes Elizabeth Jefferson McDowell in Mansfield and was a life long resident. In 1961 at the age of 23, John began his career by becoming only the fourth African-American police officer in the history of the Mansfield Police Department. Within two years John was assigned to the Juvenile Section of the Detective Bureau, thus becoming the first African-American detective in the history of the Mansfield Police Department. He also served in the Patrol Bureau, working with community relations, and as the police officer assigned to Mansfield City Schools. In 1988, John became the first African-American to retire from the Mansfield Police Department with 27 years of service.
John's lasting contributions to the Mansfield Police Department and to the citizens of Mansfield include his successful work with young people in terms of keeping many of them out of trouble, supervising them in the Salvation Army's after-school recreation program, and serving as a POSITIVE role model for all youth to emulate.
John was a member of the Apostolic Church of Christ. He loved to hunt, often heading to the woods right after work. After his health began declining, he became an avid watcher of westerns on TV, a passion second only to his passion for his wife Emily.
John is survived by his wife of 54 years Emily Roane McDowell; three children, Teresa McDowell, Mansfield, Melvin (Cynthia) McDowell and their children Justin and Brandon, Akron, and Doris (Jeffrey) Ervin and their children Kearra, Courtney, and Jaleel, Akron; one great granddaughter Sheriae Williams; five brothers, Leroy (Rosa), Wayne, and Harrison (Delores), Mansfield, Melvin (Dovie), Akron, and Wyatt (Sherry) McDowell, Louisville, Kentucky; brother-in-law, Lawrence Parsons; numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents his son Alvin; three sisters Doris and Betty McDowell, and Hazel Parsons; and one brother Calvin preceded John in death.
Friends may call Wednesday, in the Mt. Calvary Baptist Church from 10 - 11 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM with Rev. Dr. Johnny Heckard officiating. Interment will be in Mansfield Cemetery.
Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralservices.com.
Williams Funeral Services is proud to serve the McDowell Family.
Mr. John McDowell, I will never forget you and the profound impact you've had and continue to have on my life. I think of you and Mrs. McDowell often with deep gratitude and love. Thank you for your excellence, service, and inspiration. Thank you for everything.
Obie Ford III
June 04, 2022 | School
How blessed was i to just encounter not to mention be mentored by Mr. John Macdowell. Please understand he WAS, IS and SHALL ALWAYS be an inspiration of a lifetime.
Debbie Laws
October 16, 2021 | Other
he will be sorely missed. I remember when he ran the after school program at the salvation army when I was a kid. my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to you and your family in this time.
Michael Whitcomb
September 09, 2014 | Mansfield, OH
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Fred Mingle
September 04, 2014 | Decatur, GA
Emily may you and family always be at peace knowing that your husband and you brother were two of the greatest people in Mansfield. He defied all odds to accomplish what no other Police Force could garner or even wanted too attain with the people he served. God bless him.
Johnnie B. Hawking-Ginn
September 04, 2014 | Sevierville,TN
Melvin and family:
I am sad to have read that your father passed.Prayers for you and the family for comfort.
I remember your Dad when he visited Hedges years ago when I was about 9, he was with John Shivinsky I think...
A positive role model to us kids.
Take Care and God Bless
Annette Cottrill
September 04, 2014
I have so many fond memories of "Officer McDowell" as a kid when I went around to schools as a ventriloquist (in a police uniform - same as my dummy "George") accompanied by "Policeman Joe" Schivinski, "Fireman Greene" (Don) and Smokey the Bear. I got to ride in his police car all the time and I'll never forget our times together. To John's Family I give my greatest condolences - John touched many, many lives.
Tom Carto
September 04, 2014 | Cincinnati, OH
Detective McDowell was a fine officer and a wonderful man, who led quietly but strongly through his personal example to others and outstanding values. He was so kind and understanding when I was a young officer struggling with a tough career choice as a female police officer at the Mansfield Police Department. He will be greatly missed by his police family and friends. Please take comfort in the fact that his life made such a positive difference for many others.
Marijan Grogoza
September 03, 2014 | Mansfield, NS
I'm saddened by John's passing, but know we'll see each other again when I pass from this life and into the presence of our Lord.
I was a policeman on the force for several years, and worked with John during a time when the honesty and integrity of many were in question.
John's never was, not for a second. He was someone I looked up to and could emulate.
Thanks John, for being one of the good guys. Proud to have worked with you.
To his wife and family, my sincerest...
Steve Webb
September 02, 2014 | Trough Camp, KY
