Robert William McDowell

1943 - 2016

Bob McDowell, known to many as "Pops", passed away peacefully with his family at his side on April 28, 2016 after a short illness. Born to Lela and William McDowell, in San Francisco Ca. Bob is survived by his adult children Tresa Rondeau and Tonja Mitchell both of Oregon. Bryan and Tammy McDowell of Herald, Bobby and Charlene McDowell of Valley Springs, Ronny McDowell of Stockton, Cristy and Larry Gillam of Lodi, and Shirley and Rick Valdez of Lodi. Bob was also a proud grandfather to 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. In his early years, Bob took a huge interest in cars and motorcycles as well as law enforcement. He was even an officer of the Vallejo Police Department for a few years. He then continued to pursue his passion of cars. When he wasn't racing, fixing, or servicing them; he was selling them. It was during that time that he met and married his beloved wife Shirley. Together their love story had grown and expanded for over 50 years. Bob worked endlessly to support his family while working at places like Ozzy Davis Toyota of Dublin and Macco Auto Paint of Stockton, before purchasing Bruce's Body Shop in 1981. Bob and Shirley worked side by side building their business of repairing and painting cars. Together they turned out vehicles that caught the attention of many businesses throughout the Central Valley. A few of those associations even grew into great friendships, Don Morris of Don's Buggie Shop and Bob Mestressat of Premier Auto Interiors. Between their shared love of cars, motorcycles, and music, they shared many adventures together. Bobs love of Elvis showed in his voice as he sang. Many people were lucky enough to catch him singing at a show with Don or hear one of his CD's that he loved to make for his friends. Always supporting him at each show was his beloved Shirley. Bob enjoyed socializing with family and friends at crab feeds, car shows, going to auctions, taking trips and especially playing cards at the casino's and local card rooms.
Bob also contributed generously to local organizations such as little league and soccer for local youth teams, as well as Stockton Thunder Hockey and the Stockton Ports Baseball.
Bob is preceeded in death by both of his parents, his brothers and a sister, his beloved wife Shirley, two grandsons, Brandon Valdez and Joey Martin and a great grandson, Deagan Season
A celebration of life will be held for Bob McDowell on Friday May 20, 2016 at 12 noon at Bear Creek Church @ 11171 N. Lower Sacramento Rd, Lodi.