Judge Matthew Dowd

1939 - 2018

Judge Matthew Joseph Dowd, Jr., 78, Topeka, Kansas, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2018, in his home surrounded by family.

Matt was born July 5, 1939, in Oklahoma City, the son of Matthew and Mary Francis Calloway Dowd. He grew up in Kansas City, the eldest of five siblings.

Matt's wife, Judy Hermesch McDaniel, survives of the home. They shared 12 years of marriage; they enjoyed traveling extensively including his beloved Ireland. They also enjoyed cheering on the Jayhawks and attending grandchildren activities.

Grateful to have shared Matt's life are his children Kathy Nibler (Matt), Mike Dowd, Liz Aldrine (Baron), Trish Dowd Kelne (Adam), Cara Schroeder (Mike), Tara Wineinger (Sam), and Ty Bachmann (Jill); Christina Wright (Doug), Jeff McDaniel (Rae Ann), and Lindsay Klemovich (Michael); and his 15 cherished grandchildren to whom he was devoted: Tanner, Baron II, Blake, Brayden, Lucy, Grace, Thomas, Drew, Brady, Jacob, Sophia, Ellie, Cora, Addison and Hudson. He is also survived by his brother, Kevin Dowd; and sisters-in-law, Judy Dowd and Mary Dowd.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Michael Dowd, his sister Mary Beth Dowd and his brother Terry Dowd.

Matt was previously married to Mary Kay Riedel Bachmann, who passed away in 2004. He was first married to Margaret Fuchs Dowd.

Matt lived life with a love of knowledge, learning and service; he graduated from St. Agnes High School (now Bishop Miege) and earned a degree in history from Rockhurst University. He earned his doctorate from the University of Kansas Law School and later a Masters of Administration of Justice (Wichita State University), and a Masters of Judicial Studies (University of Nevada at Reno). Matt served our country in the US Army and was later commissioned a Judge Advocate General officer, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the US Army Reserves.

Matt began his career as a criminal defense attorney and later served as Assistant Attorney General (1972-74). He worked in private practice and was elected associate district judge (1976). Among many accomplishments during his 31 years as a judge, Matt took great pride in launching Drug Court of Shawnee County, a diversion program to aid first-time offenders with alternatives to prison or probation. Many lives were positively impacted: at the time of his retirement over 200 had graduated.

Matt's love of learning was matched by his love of laughter; through both he gave of himself in service to numerous community and charitable organizations. He was a member of and lector at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, Knights of Columbus Council No. 4254, the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly, volunteer of Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Friends of the Topeka ZOO and Sertoma. He demonstrated his dedication to his Irish heritage through the St. Patrick's Day Committee and led the parade with St. Patrick for many years. If not heralding the Irish colors, then Matt would likely be found in Crimson and Blue cheering his beloved Jayhawks.

Matt's family will greet friends from 2:30 to 4:30 Sunday at Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, where Remembrances will be spoken at 4:30. At 5 p.m. the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly of the Knights of Columbus will conduct a Chalice Ceremony followed by a Rosary.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at the Church. Burial, with full military honors, will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Most Pure Heart of Mary Church, and Drug Court, sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614.

Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrenannfamily.com. Judge Judge Matthew Matthew Dowd Dowd