Lance E. McDowell

Lance E. McDowell obituary, Yorktown, Va.

Lance E. McDowell

Lance McDowell Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Sep. 6 to Sep. 7, 2014.
YORKTOWN, VA. - Lance E McDowell, 71, died peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, September 4, 2014. He was born January 30, 1943 in Lafayette, Indiana. He graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in Vocal Music Performance and obtained a Master of Science degree from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio. Major Lance E McDowell, United States Air Force (Ret.) served his country honorably for 21 years as an Information Systems Officer. Following his service he worked 20 years as a yacht craftsman for Raven Marine, Bluewater Yachts, and on the tall ships at Jamestown. Lance is survived by his son Kavan and Kavan's mother Carol, his brother Mark (Tannis Sprott), his wife Judy and her sons Kevin Healey (Jennifer) and Chris Healey (Jessica). He loved to spend time with his grandchildren Ben, Caroline, and Isabelle Healey. As a man of many interests, Lance had a passion for model aviation, sailing, dancing, travelling, electronics, history, boat building, and carpentry. He also enjoyed playing his bass, especially with Shanty Grass at the Watermen's Museum in Yorktown. A memorial service will be held Sunday, September 28 at the Watermen's Museum at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Lance to the Watermen's Museum, 309 Water St, Yorktown, VA 23690, (757) 887-2641, or at www.watermens.org. Arrangements by Amory Funeral Home.

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Sign Lance McDowell's Guest Book

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September 19, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 16, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 14, 2014

Jo-Anne McDowell Goyder posted to the memorial.

September 19, 2014

Dear Judy
So sorry go hear of Lance passing away.
He was a fine gentleman who will be sorely
missed.My thoughts are with you during this
sad time.
My Best Regards Eric

Eric Playford.Ely. Cambridgeshire.England

September 16, 2014

Lance was a terrific person who died much too soon. I always admired him for being a "jack of all trades" - it seemed like he could do anything. He was also special for his intelligence and wit. And the wonderful stories he could tell about his experiences. I loved to go in his garage and admire his planes and tools and have him tell me about them. And Judy, the hours and hours of work you and Lance put into making your home and yard a "little piece of Paradise" to me. He never put on airs. I remember one time when we were holding hands at the beginning of a couple dance. He apologized for his hands being so rough. I told him his hands were beautiful because he made beautiful things. And lastly, I will always cherish Lance's bravery and generosity in teaching this (at that time) "newbie" folk dancer Zillertaler Landler, an absolutely beautiful and intricate couple dance. Judy, you and Lance were a great match because you and he had a lot of the same positive, creative attributes. God bless you on your long journey ahead.
Love, Michelle Reisel

Jo-Anne McDowell Goyder

September 14, 2014

I am mother to Mark's children, and his former wife. I always had a very soft spot for Lance-he was always so sweet and kind. I am so sorry he went so young. All my deepest sympathy to all of you.

Jeannie Goodwin

September 14, 2014

Dear Judy,
Dale and I are so sorry to hear of Lance's passing. He was such a dear and wonderful man and we so enjoyed the times we spent with you both when we were on our waterway sailing trip.

We wish you God's peace and gentle love.

Jeannie & Dale Goodwin

Carolyn Spencer

September 12, 2014

I am sorry for your loss. He was such a nice person, and will be missed by all.

Patricia Marcincuk

September 12, 2014

Oh Judy! I know your heart is breaking. I wish I could ease the pain. My prayers go out to you and your family. Thank you for sharing Lance at the Contra Dance.
Pat Marcincuk

John and Cathy Madden

September 12, 2014

Our heart goes out to you and the family. Lance was such a special person. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

Ben & Jill Allbrandt

September 12, 2014

Judy, Kavan & Mark - those of us who knew Lance well, know that we have lost one of our finest. He was a man of many talents, but more importantly a man who lived life filled with love for all of you. We will cherish his memory.

Pat Reynolds

September 11, 2014

Judy, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious husband Lance. I only met him once, that's all it took to know what a nice man he was! You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Shanty Grass

September 11, 2014

Judy and Family,
We will sorely miss our friend and comrade in maritime and folk music. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Margie Jordan

September 11, 2014

Judy,I am so sorry to learn of Lance's death. Just know you are in my thoughts & prayers.

Margie

September 10, 2014

Judy, No words can express how saddened I am for your loss. I met Lance when you brought him to the Cactus while you line danced. He was always a gentlemen and truly wonderful man1 let me know what I can do for you.

September 10, 2014

Judy--I am thinking of you and am so sorry for your loss. I remember your fantastic wedding that we all attended and danced at. I am sure you have many wonderful memories to treasure.

Susan Oberman

Anita Rossano

September 10, 2014

My sincere condolences to you and your family at this sad time. Prayers sent for all.

Vita Hollander and Ernie Clish

September 10, 2014

Dear Judy,
some 15 years ago you and Lance made us feel welcome at Makemie Woods by sharing a cabin with us. I can still see you and Lance in that cabin in my mind's eye... We will miss him so much.

September 9, 2014

Judy, Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Lance was a very special person and that memory will linger in the hearts of his family and friends. I hope to see you again soon. If you need anything please know that I am here for you. Eddy

Bob Mooney

September 9, 2014

Judy - Words can not express what I know you are going through! Lance was such a great guy and he will be missed. He is in a good place now and is not suffering. Let me know what I can do for you and your family!
With Great Understanding & Compassion
-Bob-

Joyce & Cliff Mendel

September 9, 2014

It's hard to believe that someone so alive has gone. Lance was an interesting, gentle, and good man. His talent for work on boats and ships, and on modeling was impressive. We both enjoyed the time we spent with him; Cliff especially liked talking with Lance about boats and models.

Our hearts go out to you Judy, having lost such a fine partner too soon.

Kathleen Williamson

September 9, 2014

Judy, you and Lance have been the mainstays of dancing in Hampton Roads. Lance will be greatly missed by so many people. It has been a pleasure to know him.

Judy Grandy

September 9, 2014

I was so sorry when I saw this announcement. May our Heavenly Father comfort you.

Carole Ferro

September 9, 2014

My deepest sympathy at this time. May God comfort you and your family!

Denise Lyons

September 8, 2014

Such sadness is felt, such a special person Lance was and still is loved from the moment of meeting and always will be.

September 8, 2014

Judy, My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Lance was a wonderful person and I really enjoyed getting to know him at dancing. Ya'll were such a neat couple. Take care and let me know if I can help you at all.

Love, Bunny

Carol Thomas Downing

September 8, 2014

Judy, My heart goes out to you and your family. You & Lance are some of the kindest and most generous people I've ever known. I will always remember Lance - dancing up a graceful storm, always willing to help the band with sound; and playing on that big ol' bass. I will miss this good man; he lived life with love... Carol

Gloria & Jim Parker

September 8, 2014

Jack London said it best "the proper function of man is to LIVE not to just exist. I shall use my time. " Lance used his time well & enjoyed ever aspect of it. We will miss him.

September 7, 2014

My condolences to Lance's family and friends. Mitch Cihomsky

Nancy James

September 7, 2014

Judy, I was sad to hear of Lance's death. He was a wonderful man. I will always remember dancing with him (and you) during all those years of contra dancing. What wonderful times they were.

September 7, 2014

Judy,

I did not know your husband well but when I did attend the dances, he was always so kind to me (such a novice dancer). You all are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mia Swan

Brian McNamara

September 7, 2014

Lance, you are missed. You were too young to leave. You are very much part of my folk dance memories. From Friday nights, to ARE, Buffalo Gap, to McKemie Woods, to Buffalo Circle, and to your cozy abode with Judy outside of York Town. Each of these experiences were like celebrations to me. Lance, I know you are dancing with the angels. God Bless.

Sailing fun after hurricane Irene in 2011.

Gwyn & Jennifer Williams

September 7, 2014

Judy - anyone meeting Lance would never forget his engaging humor and intellect. What a wonderful man. He was such fun to be with, and Jennifer and I feel honored to have known him and to have spent so much time in his company socializing, dancing and sailing. We will never forget all the happy times both here and in England. We wish you strength now, and, of course, we are close by here any time you need anything. Gwyn, Jennifer, Andrew and Becky.

David Hiltebrand

September 7, 2014

Lance was a very special person. I enjoyed his company and admired his skills, his craftsmanship and his love of life. He will be missed.

Mary Hiltebrand

September 7, 2014

Judy, my heart breaks for you at this difficult time. The world has lost a very dear, sweet man. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sue O'Laughlen

September 7, 2014

Dear Judy,
Denise and I thought Lance was such a wonderful gentleman. He took such good care of us when we tried the contra dancing. You Were absolutely perfect together. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this hard time. God bless Lance and protect him. Please let me know if there's anything at all I can do to help.

T Griffin

September 7, 2014

So sorry to hear about your loss. You know that God and Jesus are in the best position to comfort us when we lose a loved one in death.

Angela Stroup

September 6, 2014

Dear Judy and Family,
Tom and I were so saddened to hear of your loss. Lance was a man we deeply admired and respected. His gentle strength was always evident and his talents were many. You and he were a great couple. I remember well the day I spent at your house with the both of you designing the background for a display for Makemi Woods. I was so impressed with how you and he worked in harmony as we developed ideas together. May you and the children and grandchildren find solice during this very difficult time as you love and support each other knowing Lance is at peace. We all will miss him
Much love,
Angela and Tom Stroup

Ray Hollowell

September 6, 2014

Judy,

Jean and I were so sorry to hear about Lance. We remember him as always cheerful and interesting to talk to at the various dances and events where we met. It was alway a joy to watch the two of you dance together. Our thoughts are with you and we will be praying for you and the family.

Ray and Jean

Phil Duffy

September 6, 2014

Lance was a gentle soul and a great friend. He will be greatly missed. My favorite memory of him was when he played the prince in one of the folk dance skits. My prayer go out to Judy and the rest of his family.

Aditi Dutt

September 6, 2014

I will always remember Lance fondly as a man with a wonderful sense of humor. He always brightened up our dance get togethers when he would make a funny comment, sometimes very softly. But they were always positive jokes, never to harm. I know the angels are smiling Lance.

Molly

September 6, 2014

Judy, I was so sorry to learn of Lance's death. I feel honored to have known him - he was such a trouper cooking "Christmas Breakfast" every year for us! May the love and joy you shared sustain you during these difficult days - and may the many wonderful memories you made together bring you comfort. I'm hugging you in my heart.

Jodi Newsome King

September 6, 2014

Judy,
My heart sank to see Lance's picture in the paper this morning. Your marriage was a wonderful testament to the union two people can form when brought together with love, mutual lrespect, music and dancing! May your memories sustain you during your darkest hours and your grandchildren propel you forward into the next chapter of your life.
Fondly,

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Amory Funeral Home - Yorktown

410 Grafton Drive, Yorktown, VA 23692

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Sign Lance McDowell's Guest Book

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September 19, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 16, 2014

Someone posted to the memorial.

September 14, 2014

Jo-Anne McDowell Goyder posted to the memorial.