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Kent Rayford McDowell
Kent Rayford McDowell
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Kent McDowell Obituary
Kent was born July 16, 1949, in Longview, Texas, to Rita and Elwynn McDowell. After living in South Carolina for a few years, the family moved back to Longview, where he was an altar boy, Eagle Scout and sometimes a little bit of a trouble-maker.
Kent attended and graduated Longview High School and then met his devoted wife of 42 years, Carol Potosky McDowell. They were married November 14, 1969, and established a loving home with their three children and seven grandchildren.
PopPop worked most of his life as an electrician beginning his career beside his father and brother at McDowell's Industrial Electric and was currently employed by Dana Corporation in the maintenance department as a robot technician. During his career, he belonged to the IBEW and UAW unions, where he served currently as vice president.
Not only was PopPop a loving husband, father and grandfather, he was also an avid fisherman, coach, hunter, music lover, Harley rider, gardener, teacher, reader, fire builder, traveler, beach-comber and wasp killer. His life's experiences and storytelling brought people together and cultivated many long-lasting friendships.
As a member of Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he sang in the choir, volunteered with the youth and helped maintain the church grounds. His spiritual journey was guided by his love of nature, family and friends.
Kent was preceded in death by his parents, Rita and Elwynn McDowell; sister, Lita; and brothers, Blaze and Randy McDowell.
He is survived by his loving wife and "Bub," Carol Potosky McDowell; his three children: daughter, Jennifer McDowell White and husband, Chris; son, Aaron McDowell and wife, Dawn; and son, Chris McDowell and wife, Emilie; his precious grandchildren, Bailey and Jessi White, McKenzie, Macey, Issac and Israel McDowell and Lily McDowell; his sisters, Betsy Robison and Lori O'Connor; and many extended family and friends.
Memorial services will be 10 a.m Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at Elmira Chapel Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with Pastor Jimmy Cantey officiating. Visitation will follow the services at the family's home.
An online registry may be signed at www.news-journal.com, by clicking on the obituaries link.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
EVELYN SPARKS
January 28, 2020
Kent was a hood person.
Don Perry
January 17, 2020
Don and I were talking about Kent not too long ago. we remember him and miss his witty self. Don and Paula Perry
Susan (Beaver) Apple
February 13, 2012
Carol - I am so very sorry to learn of Kent's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Michelle Cook
January 29, 2012
Carol,
I was so sad to hear of Kent's passing. My heart to yours-God Bless and keep you and your family during this difficult time.
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Sandra Doncarlos Wooten
January 24, 2012
He left behind such a wonderful family. I am just so very sorry and will be praying for you all.
Joe & Deborah Bellinger
January 24, 2012
I learned more and had more fun working with Kent than any other co-worker or trainer I ever had. He was a good friend and we have missed having the opportunity to be around he and Carol. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
Terry Minor
January 24, 2012
I worked with your father, friend, husband, and grandpa at Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant in Karnack. I had lost contact with him, for that im sorry. As you know he was a very good man. I was allways happy to work around him and his humor. I know he will be missed, and moments you shared cherished. With faith, I pray you will find comfort in knowing he is allways with you in your memories. And you will be reunited with him and The Lord.
Thomas Kesterson
January 24, 2012
To the McDowell Family. I was saddened to learn of Kent's passing. Kent was a good man, with whom I enjoyed visiting. He will be missed.
Tara Richatdson
January 24, 2012
Prayers going out to the McDowell family. The Richardson family is thinking & praying for you!
Nan Hart Sheedy
January 23, 2012
I think back on our school years together and all our times at Big Rock..my thoughts and prayers coming your way Carol.........Nan
Paige Childers
January 23, 2012
McDowell family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers as you endure the grief that loosing a loved one brings. Just know that I am thinking of you and will pray for the comfort that only God can bring. Lots of love, Paige Edmonson Childers.
Bob Giles
January 23, 2012
I had the privilege of working with Kent at Dana and was sad to here of his passing. His humor and character made working the long hours easier for all of us in maintenance. I pray God will comfort his family . We will all miss him
Jake and Michele Berlin
January 23, 2012
McDowell family, we are so sorry to hear about your loss of someone so dear and special to you. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Phyllis Favors-Allen
January 23, 2012
May God be with the McDowell family at a time of sorrow. Pop Pop will be missed so much at Dana Corportation and the UAW. May God continue to give the family strength and courage.
Joe & Ronnie Politi
January 23, 2012
Carol,Jennifer,Aaron&Chris,
Our loving thoughts & prayers are with you. Kent was a man who once you met,you never forgot. A positive role model for all of us. May God be with you all during this difficult time.
January 23, 2012
We send our sincere sympathy to each of you. May God comfort and give you peace as we continue to pray for your family. Leo, Alecia, Rhonda, Marshall, Joe John Watson & Mandy (Watson) Miranda.
January 23, 2012
To the Mcdowell FAmily: So very sad to learn kent is not with us anymore.Lots of memories working @ Norris Cylinder with him. Because of kent and his Harley.....i got one. memories of the fishing trip where he dumped us in the middle of Sabine River. oh, yeah...He will be missed. Don & Paula Perry
Francis Boaze
January 23, 2012
Carol
Kent and I worked together for a number of years. He was always in a good mood no matter what was going on. Kent was a fine man and good friend. I will miss his smiles. May God bless your family. I would attend the service but I am in Alaska at this time.
Francis Boaze
January 23, 2012
Just a note to let you know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God wrap you in His tender arms and give you peace and comfort. I went to school with Kent and I remember how much fun it was to be in class with him. He was the only person I knew that would walk across the stage at graduation with shorts on under his graduation robe and I think they were plaid shorts! He will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
Lana Tucker Snider, Steve & Emily
Brian Ricci
January 23, 2012
To my other family,
I grieve with you.
Please know that part of who I am today is because of the upbringing and example Kent provided for his children.
He was a good and spiritual man at his core who worked very hard to provide for his family and I'm so thankful for the wonderful memories he has given me....the fishing trips, my appreciation of Atomic Fireballs, the trips to Crystal Beach, and most importantly being there for me on my wedding day to help celebrate the next stage of my journey. (I'm not sure I ever told him how much that meant to me.)
He tolerated me from a very early age and graced me with all the love and discipline he gave to his own children. I would always feel special when he'd come into Chris and Aaron's room at 10am on a Saturday morning (after working a night shift) to find us all sleeping and say something like... "For crying out loud, yall need to get up and do something!"
Kent's spirit will live on amoungst some of us priviliged ones who got to be part of his life.
January 23, 2012
Dear Carol and family,
I want to express my sorrow in losing Kent. Having just seen him a few months ago, I am shocked. He was so full of life and healthy looking; that is how I will always remember him with that big wide grin on his face. He was always such an adventure seeker, personable humanitarian, and one with nature.
My love and prayers to the entire family.
Cousin Kaye(Rives)Gross
Jennifer Thompson
January 23, 2012
Our hearts go out to your family at this very difficult time. Our prayer is for healing to come through your love for each other and your faith in our Father God! Our sincere condolences!!!!! Vic and Jennifer Thompson
Demetria "Dee" McFarland
January 23, 2012
Godspeed to you Pop Pop! May God continue to comfort the McDowell family and fill the void that has been left behind. DANA Corporation will not be the same without you....
January 23, 2012
Carol and family, we are thinking of you at this time. Kent will be missed by you especially, but also by his church and community families, as well. If we can be of assistance to you, please let us know. Gary and Gayla Nash (Mineola, TX)
Amy Velvin
January 23, 2012
Carol, Jennifer and Family -
Thinking of you all during this difficult time. As I was thinking about Mr. Kent I couldn't help but smile knowing that he was the only person I ever knew that used a spear to catch a fish. He was truly a unique and wonderful person. My prayers are with you and I love you all!
Steve Brown
January 23, 2012
To Carol, family, and friends. I am very saddened to learn of Kent's passing. I liked the part of the obituary that said he was a bit of a troublemaker. We did a little troublemaking together back in the day. But as we all know, there was much more to him than that. I hadn't seen Kent much in the past 35-40 years, but it has always been a great pleasure when I did. May God bless and comfort you all. Rest in Peace, Kent.
Evelyn Sparks
January 23, 2012
To the Family of Mr. Kent, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. Kent was very helpful in advising me, he was funny, pleasant, and honest. We all will miss him so much.
Chad,Sheila Harleigh and Bayne Brinkman
January 23, 2012
McDowell Family our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of mourning. Anyone who knew Mr. McDowell, knew he was a wonderful man that was devoted to his family and friends. Please find comfort knowing he is blazing the clouds on his "Hog" waiting to show you the best fishing hole ever. He will truely be missed but not forgotten. May God bless you and surround you with Angels.
Nicole Faulkner
January 23, 2012
McDowell Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Kent was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed. I have nothing but fond memories of him while growing up. He was a proud father and I never missed seeing him at Aaron's football games cheering for the Panther's. God bless you.
Nicole Askew Faulkner
Class of 1991
Wint Marler
January 23, 2012
Kent was a classmate and had a lot of fun with him. He will be missed.
Mike Gilbert
January 23, 2012
Carol,
I am sorry for the loss that you and your family are going through and I pray that the love and support of your family and friends will be a source of strength during this time. I am thankful to have had the opportunity to share in the life experience of Kent and his family. Visits with Kent, working with you and coaching Aaron and Chris are cherished memories of mine. Watching the boys grow into fine young men and remembering the times we spent together make a great testimony of a life well lived.
God bless you and Peace be with you and yours.
January 23, 2012
Such a shock, but a life that touched so many with love and patience. God has a wonderful, loving helper added to his kingdom. Keeping all the family in my prayers.
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