Gerald E. McDowell

MECCA — Gerald E. McDowell, 80, of Mecca, died 11:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, at Union Hospital-Clinton. He was employed at Columbia House in Terre Haute for 25 years and retired from Bearings Inc. of Terre Haute with six years of service. He was born Aug. 16, 1929, in Universal to the late Virgil L. McDowell and Bertha Rippy McDowell. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Jane Nowling McDowell, whom he married Nov. 26, 1953, in Universal. Other survivors include one daughter, Suzanne Gill and her husband Patrick of Hillsdale; one sister, Betty McDowell of Richmond; one brother, Joe McDowell and his wife Myrt of Clinton; two grandchildren, Brandon and Kendall Gill of Hillsdale; one sister-in-law, June McDowell of Universal; six brothers-in-law, Art Nowling and his wife Mary Ruth of Clinton, Joe Nowling of Rockville, Don Nowling and his wife Karen of Waynetown, John Nowling of Mecca, twins Kenny Nowling and Karl Nowling, both of Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews. He also was preceded in death by one brother, James McDowell Sr.; and one sister-in-law, Joan Nowling. He was a 1947 graduate of Clinton High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a member of Mecca Christian Church and served as the church superintendent for more than 25 years. He was an active member of the Mecca Historical Society. Services are 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009, at Gooch Funeral Home, 112 West Howard St., in Rockville, with Pastor Tim Guoli officiating. Entombment will follow services in Chapel of Memories Mausoleum in Roselawn Memorial Park in Terre Haute, with military honors by Parke County Veterans. Visitation will be 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, at Gooch Funeral Home. Memorials, if friends so desire, may be made to Mecca Christian Church, 4921 W. Church St., Mecca, IN 47860; or Mecca ARABS, P.O. Box 4, Mecca, IN 47860.