Everett "Bud" "Bud" Dowden

Everett "Bud" Dowden, 84, of Manchester, TN, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2025. Born on November 14, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, Bud lived a life defined by curiosity, ingenuity, and quiet strength. Known by many as a mechanical genius, there was truly nothing he couldn't take apart and put back together- often better than it was before. Whether fixing a Mustang engine that stumped every other mechanic or lending his skills to the space program, Bud approached every challenge with patience and precision.

His career was as extraordinary as his mind. Bud worked in Quality Control for Boeing and NASA, where he played vital roles in numerous landmark projects. His work included electrical systems for the B-1 Bomber, the Apollo Program, Saturn V engines, and shuttle engine development. He took great pride in contributing to missions that shaped history.

Bud was also an adventurer at heart. He had a deep love for cowboy action shooting, motorcycles, and the open road. At home, he was a devoted family man, animal lover, and the kind of person who made everyone feel a little more grounded just by being there.

He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Dowden; his children, son Chadwick L. Floyd and daughter Brandi J. Spencer (Clinton); his brother, John Cave; his grandchildren, Zackery Stacy and Olivia Spencer; and his great-granddaughter, Braelynn Floyd. He is also survived by his cherished dogs- Bree, Harlee, Dingo, and Maisie -who brought him daily joy.

Bud was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Shirley; his grandson, Cody Chadwick Floyd; and two of his most beloved dogs, Scruffy- his constant companion who never left his lap- and Gunner. There will be a memorial service on Thursday August 7, 2025 at 6:00pm at the Gossburg Community Church in Beechgrove TN. The address to the church is: 2794 Gossburg Rd. Beechgrove, TN 37018.

He will be remembered always for his brilliant mind, steady hands, loving heart, and the way he lived life on his own terms -with courage, humor, and a deep love for family, machines, and the road ahead. Manchester Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dowden Family.