Glenn McDowell

Glenn McDowell, 78, of Greenwood passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025. Born near Bridgeville, Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Anna McDowell and two children Brian and Lori, a granddaughter Courtney McDowell, and a great-granddaughter, Elliana McDowell.
Glenn graduated from Greenwood High School in 1966. He also attended the Mill and Cabinet Shop at Sussex Vocational and Technical School. Upon graduation he enlisted in the United States Navy where he spent the majority of his service at the Subic Bay Naval Base aboard the salvage/floating drydock, The ARD 22 Windsor. While in the Philippines, he met and married his wife Amelia Abordo.
After his discharge, he honed his woodworking skills in the employ of Gordon Adams, master artisan in Greensboro, MD. Later on, he decided to launch his own business, Custom Woodworking which he operated for several years. He crafted many sets of kitchen cabinets, vanities and beautiful pieces of furniture. After several years, his professional life came full circle. He was asked to teach the Mill and Cabinet Shop at Sussex Tech. When his son, Mike decided to open his business MJM Construction, Glenn joined him. Together they completed many projects in the Rehoboth Beach area.
Glenn is survived by his wife, Amelia (Mely), his son, Michael (Heidi) McDowell, grandchildren Brianna (Mike) Campagnini, Christian McDowell, and Ryan Houston; great-grandchildren, Brennan and Kobe McDowell, Leia, Qi'ra and Anakin Campagnini, and a sister Connie McDowell.
Glenn was an avid auction regular at Wilson's Auction. He bought and restored many items he found there, and another hobby arose. He and Mike rented a booth at Antique Alley of Bridgeville as an outlet to sell their pieces. Mike took a different job so his sister joined Glenn in the booth. They rented more spaces and took another booth at Tin Roof Trading Post near Georgetown.
Glenn was a former member of the 1st State Antique Tractor Association. He restored a 1955 C by IH, and a 1928 McCormick Deering 10-20 tractor, previously owned by his grandfather. His pride and joy, the 10-20 is one of the oldest restored 10-20's in the state. He enjoyed exhibiting them at many shows.
Glenn was also a Life Member of the Greenwood VFW Post 7478. He held several offices through the years including the office of Commander. He cooked a lot of BBQ chicken, and was the chief cook at the annual spring dinner where patrons raved over the BBQ beef and chicken.
Glenn was a very active person and loved to work in his shop. He knew a lot about the electrical mechanical and plumbing trades, and of course anything pertaining to wood. His students nicknamed him "McGyver". His last project before Parkinson's robbed him of his abilities was crafting pens from wood. He made and sold nearly 1000 pens.
We extend special thanks to Accent Care Hospice. We appreciate everything Amy, Christina, Terry, Elise and Teanna did for Glenn during his illness. Thanks to Rev. Isaacs for his visits and for coordinating the program to honor Glenn's military service.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 Noon, Friday, November 14, 2025 at the Framptom Funeral Home-Fleischauer Chapel, Greenwood with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Bridgeville Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Glenn's memory to Accent Care Hospice, 220 Continental Drive, Suite 407, Newark, DE 19713.