LeRoy McDowell Obituary
San Diego, Calif.: LeRoy “Snooks” “Lee” McDowell, San Diego, Calif., died July 16, 2010. He was born Nov. 21, 1941, in Lily, S.D., to Miles “Hap” and Helen McDowell. He graduated from Brentford High School in 1959.
Lee was a high school administrator for many years in the San Marcos, Calif., school district. He was retired at the time of his death.
He is survived by his daughter, Leann McDowell Harper (Chad), and son, Kent McDowell, both of San Diego; his sisters, Loretta Heiser (Jerry) of Oceanside, Calif., Betty Koca (Gary) of Enterprise, Miss.; and one brother, Lionel “Bud” McDowell (Laurel) of Frederick, S.D., and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Miles “Hap” and Helen McDowell and one niece.
A Celebration of Life is being held August 1 at Leanne's home.
Cards may be sent to Leanne Harper, 709 Agate St. #4, San Diego, Calif. 92109; 760-580-3555.
This obituary was originally published in the Aberdeen American News.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Donna Wolosin
February 22, 2011
I am just stunned. I had no idea. We are so sorry.
Jamie and Donna Wolosin
Kent McDowell
September 10, 2010
I love you Dad it is the 9th of September 2010 and not a day has gone on without thinking about you. Lauren's brother passed away August 28th and I wish I could seek advice from you. You left us suddenly, but the memories we have with you will last a lifetime, however long that is. I wish I could ask you for advice on college and life but I understand that you gave it all to me before you left this earthly world. I love you Paps and Leanne shares this love with me. I will never forget the life lessions you shared with myself and Leanne, along with all the stories to pass the time. You are never forgotten and always missed. Love You Spark Plug!
Rob Gaebe
August 1, 2010
Dear Family,
We want you to know the many positive things Lee did at San Marcos High School and SM District. As an educational leader, he had a great impact on teachers and vocational/ROP programs. It was a sad day when he retired and even more difficult now. He was a comrade and mentor with good humor and advice for us all. My Agriculture students selected Mr. McDowell as administrator of the year and San Marcos FFA honorary member. At the awards night that year, Lee brought his FFA jacket from his days in South Dakota and tried to convince everyone that it still fit. May his spirit live on... Hopefully, his good memories will comfort you during this healing time! The Gaebe Family and SMHS Friends
Rob Gaebe
August 1, 2010
Dear Family,
We want you to remember the positive things Lee did for many of us at San Marcos High School and SM District. As an educational leader, Lee had the greatest impact on the success of our teaching and vocational/ROP programs. It was a sad day when he retired and even more difficult now. He will be missed. Let us all remember his comradeship, good humor, and the good friend/mentor he was. My AG students were proud to select him as administrator of the year multiple times and FFA Honorary Member for San Marcos FFA. At the awards night that year, he brought his FFA jacket from his days in South Dakota and claimed it still fit. May his spirit live on... Hopefully, his good memories will comfort you during this healing time! Rob Gaebe Family
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Rob Gaebe
August 1, 2010
Dear Family,
We want you to remember the positive things Lee did for many of us at San Marcos High School and SM District. As an educational leader, Lee had the greatest impact on the success of our teaching and vocational/ROP programs. It was a sad day when he retired and even more difficult now. He will be missed. Let us all remember his comradeship, good humor, and the friend/mentor he was. My AG students were proud to select him as administrator of the year multiple times and FFA Honorary Member for San Marcos FFA. At the awards night that year, he brought his FFA jacket from his days in South Dakota and tried to convince everyone it still fit. He was good man; may his spirit live on... Hopefully, his good memories will comfort you during this healing time! The Gaebe Family and friends at SMHS
kari Lyons
July 30, 2010
Kent, Luanna and Leanne,
My heart aches with you over your loss. I remember seeing Lee at golf events for Kent. Always a smile on his face and a good sense of humor. I am wrapping my arms around you and I know God is too.
God Bless you all,
Kari Lyons and Family
Kim Farris
July 28, 2010
To Lee’s family -
I am so sorry to hear about Lee.
I worked with Lee for many years at San Marcos School District. He had an outstanding reputation and was universally respected as one who could be counted on to “get the job done” with the utmost quality and accuracy. Lee was always extremely supportive of all his staff and teachers.
He also had a great since of humor once you got past his “all business” exterior, and told some hilarious stories. The Instructional Services staff will never forget the holiday party when Lee brought the funny octopus gift and accidentally broke the glass platter. He had the whole department in tears with laughter.
Remember the good times and god bless.
Jen Dickey
July 27, 2010
My condolences to Leanne and Kent. I attended school with Leanne many years ago but remember the family vividly. I can't imagine what you guys are going through. Bless you guys and I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Pam Goodman/Daley
July 27, 2010
I worked w/Lee many years ago @ SMHS. He always had a smile on his face when he saw me & I still remember his laughter. He kept me in stitches most of the time. I also remember how distraught he was when Leanne was an infant facing open heart surgery. I'm so glad I had the experience to run into him years later just before his retirement - we shared many memories together. My heart & prayers go out to the family.
Ned Sloan
July 26, 2010
I was shocked and saddened at Lee's passing. As a neighbor and a friend, I will miss Lee. We used to be poker buddies once a month and all in our poker group enjoyed his company. GOD BLESS LEE AND HIS FAMILY. ned
Sara F Johnson
July 25, 2010
I was deeply sorry to learn of Lee's death.Lee was a fine man. He was wonderful to work with and great support as fellow administrators in the San Marcos School District .I hope that the grief passes quickly and the wonderful memories take over. Lee would want that...............
pam asmus
July 25, 2010
May God's love help your family through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you Leanne and Kent. Pam Asmus
July 21, 2010
To the family, my condolences, and prayers to all of you.
Gene Klein
July 20, 2010
July 20, 2010
I was so sorry to hear that LeRoy (Snooks) to all of us from the Brentford, SD area, had passed. My husband John Jones was a life long friend of LeRoy. I called LeRoy a few months ago to let him know that John was in the final stages of brain cancer and he sent John the nicest letter. John read and re read that letter laughing about the times they had together. We can now imagine that LeRoy and John are together again playing basketball and having a good visit. I will always remember LeRoy as a wonderful friend and fun double date. Sorry for the time for all the family but he is resting and happy again. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
With love and caring
Beulah Jones, Cheyenne, WY
Brentford friend forever
Charmaine Wade
July 20, 2010
I am extremely sorry hear of Lee's passing. We worked together for many years at San Marcos Unified and he constantly badgered me for the remaining "pennies" left in his budget accounts when I closed the annual books. He was a stickler for money details and our first DISCUSSION was whether or not a cow for the Ag program was an instructional supply or equipment. He told a great story or two about his college days and rounding up rattlesnakes at $5 each. He used to keep me up on "stories" around the office long after everyone was gone for the day. I missed him when he retired. He had a quick wit and always enjoyed a laugh. May you remember the good times you shared with him in another time. I know he was very proud of his children and spoke of them often.
Sharon Rodak
July 20, 2010
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
Make a Donation
in LeRoy McDowell's name
People and places connected with LeRoy
Recent Obituaries
How to support LeRoy's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor LeRoy McDowell's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored