Search by Name

Search by Name

Jack McDowell Obituary

McDOWELL Jack H. McDowell, age 79, of West Jefferson passed away Friday July 20, 2012. He was born March 16, 1933 in Ronceverte, West Virginia the son of the late Harland H. and Ruth (Carlisle) McDowell. Jack was a member of the West Jefferson United Methodist Church; a teacher of Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science at West Jefferson High School for thirty-three years and coached Varsity High School Football for nineteen years. He worked with Franklin County and Columbus Metro Parks for forty-seven years in many capacities, including Park Manager at Darby Creek Metro Park and Land Management Coordinator. He was instrumental in establishing the prairies throughout the Metro Parks System. He enjoyed the outdoors and nature; loved hunting and fishing. Jack is survived by his wife, Mary Sue whom he married September 22, 1956; three daughters, Deborah (Thomas) Omen of Galloway, Bonnie (Thomas) Summerford of West Jefferson, and Connie (Bradley) Lollo of West Jefferson; four grandchildren, David, Amber, Steven and Darren; a cousin, Mack Preston of West Virginia. Family and friends may call 1-4 and 6-9 p.m. Sunday, July 22, 2012 in the RADER-McDONALD FUNERAL HOME, West Jefferson. Funeral Service 10 a.m. Monday, July 23, 2012 in the West Jefferson United Methodist Church with Rev. Patricia Oesterle officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks 1069 West Main St., Westerville, Ohio 43081 or the James Cancer Research Center, 660 Ackerman Rd. P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Jul. 20 to Jul. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack McDowell

Not sure what to say?





Tom Whaley

July 23, 2012

I had the good fortune of being in one of Mr. McDowell's first high school classes at West Jeff (graduated 1961). He was one of the best teachers I ever had and was definitely the nicest. I just heard about him this morning (7/23) and was really saddened by his death. He will be truly missed and even though I have not seen him in over 50 years it seems like yesterday we were talking and joking together. R I P Mr. McDowell.

Jenny Hoover

July 23, 2012

Bonnie and family,
My thoughts and praayers are with you. The love for your father will never leave.

Roger Branham

July 22, 2012

Sue and family, I want to express my deepest sympathies. Jack was an absolutely great person. I will always remember fondly the time we spent together at school and fishing. Although I didn't see him often I did run into him at the hardware store last summer and we talked for about thirty minutes. One of the first things he ask was if I still had the deer head he shot for me. He smiled when I said I did. Jack was a unique individual, a big guy with a big loving heart. It saddens me to know we won't run into each other again like that. I know he will be missed by many. God Bless your family.

Vi Foreman-Bivens and Karla Phelps

July 22, 2012

Sue and family,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Doug Martin

July 21, 2012

I was fortunate to know and work with Jack for many years. I will miss his stories. I learned alot from him and shared many laughs.
God Bless.

Charlene Schoonover

July 21, 2012

Dear Mary,

I have not seen or talked with Mr. McDowell in years but I remember all the fun times I had with him as a teacher at West Jeff. He was a fine man and our Class of 1964 loved him. I am do sorry for your loss. I am also sure he will be missed tremendously. My maiden name was Charlene Stephens but Mr. M loved calling me by my nickname Wiener. God Bless!!!

Kevin Yors

July 21, 2012

Connie,I'm sorry to hear of your loss,I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers.I will always remember the stories you told of your Dad.

Patty Blake

July 20, 2012

Rock is a true legend...as big as Paul Bunyun. He has touched so many of our lives, we are better for having known him and his stories. He had a contagious smile and wonderful sense of humor. His appreciation for family and nature is matched by no one. What a man. Thank you Jack "Rock" for being my teacher, friend, and conservationist. You will NEVER be forgotten. To the family- smile...he is in a better place, happy with Jesus and he will always be everywhere we look.
The Blake Family (Larry and Patty)

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Jack McDowell's name

Memorial Events
for Jack McDowell

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jack'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
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

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 more
Resources 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
Ways to honor Jack McDowell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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