Dr. Ltc "Mike" Ray Michael Dowe Jr. (Ret.)

Dr. Ray Michael "Mike" Dowe, Jr., LTC (Ret.), 97, passed away peacefully on July 5, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Bellows Falls, Vermont, on October 3, 1927, to Ray Sr. and Alice des Prez Dowe, Mike was known for his boundless energy and adventurous spirit from an early age.
A proud graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1950, Mike was a standout on the winning Army Lacrosse teams of the late nineteen forties, earning the nickname "Dodger" Dowe. This past May, he returned to West Point to celebrate his 75th reunion with his son (USMA '77) and grandson (USMA '08), both fellow graduates - a testament to his deep connection to the Academy and its enduring values of Duty, Honor, Country.
Mike's military career began just two months after graduation, when he was thrust into the Korean War as a weapons platoon leader in the 19th Regiment, 24th Infantry Division. Wounded and captured in battle, he survived 34 months as a prisoner of war under the Chinese Communists- one of fewer than a thousand to return. He credited his survival to the faith and leadership of Chaplain Emil Kapaun, whose courage inspired hope among the POWs.
After his return home, Mike was appointed to President Eisenhower's commission to help draft the Code of Conduct for U.S. military personnel. He became an Army Ranger and Jumpmaster, served as a commander, instructor, and war plans officer in Europe, and later managed major defense programs at ARPA (now DARPA). While serving, he earned a PhD in Nuclear Physics from the University of Alabama, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1970.
Mike's commitment to service continued for more than six decades in defense and industrial research, advancing space, missile defense, fusion power, and sensor technology. He served as Chief Scientist at Ktech Corporation, President and CEO of Information Systems Laboratories, and held executive roles at Titan, W.J. Schafer, JAYCOR, SAI, and Booz Allen Hamilton. He also taught physics for twelve years, sharing his expertise with the next generation.
Throughout his distinguished career, Mike received numerous honors, including the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in Korea and the Order of Saint Maurice at its highest rank, Primicerius, for his extraordinary contributions to the U.S. Army Infantry during the Korean War and the occupation of Germany. Despite these accolades, he remained humble, always crediting his teams and colleagues.
Mike's dedication never wavered; he continued to serve on the Army Science Board until his final days. He was admired for his professionalism, insight, and unwavering commitment to service, as well as his warmth, humility, and integrity. As one colleague shared, "His steady presence made a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Beyond his technical expertise, he was known for his kindness and devotion to our nation."
Mike's legacy lives on in his family, who strive to uphold his guiding principle: "Choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong and never be content with a half-truth when the whole can be won."
He was predeceased by his sister, Mary Alice McDonough, and daughter, Dorothy Kleckner. He is survived by his beloved wife, Barbara; sons Ray Michael III (Kathy), Douglas (Sara), and Greg Rhodes (Sylvia); daughters Michele Bykerk (Lee), Allison Dowe Johnson (Christian), Dabney Erickson, Alexa Wilson, and Lisa Rhodes (Barbara); as well as 21 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
Godspeed, Mike. Rest in peace, until we meet again.
And when our work is done, our course on earth is run, may it be said, "Well done. Be thou at peace."
West Point alma mater
Funeral & wake are open to all who are able to attend:
Wake: William F. Hogan Funeral Home
135 Main St., Highland Falls, NY 10928
Sunday, August 3, 2025: 2pm - 5pm
Funeral Service: Most Holy Trinity Catholic Chapel
699 Washington Rd, West Point, NY 10996
Monday, August 4, 2025: 1:30pm
*Please gather for the funeral procession at 12:30pm at William F. Hogan Funeral Home to enter West Point. All attendees must enter West Point with the funeral procession, unless you have DoD credentials.
Burial at West Point Cemetery will follow the funeral mass. Reception will follow burial.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in honor of Dr. Michael Dowe, through the West Point Association of Graduates for the "Kapaun Kitchen." The Kapaun Kitchen is located in the Catholic Chapel Social Hall, and serves 100 meals to cadets each week. Father Emil Kapaun was Michael's dear friend in prison camp during the Korean War. All gifts can be made in memory of Dr. Michael Dowe. When a memory gift is made, the AOG will send a memory tribute card to the next of kin indicating that a donation has been made in memory of their loved one, and by whom (gift amount will not be disclosed). Donors can make a gift in support of the Kapaun Kitchen Upgrade Project:
Credit Card: Visit https://alumni.westpointaog.org/giveonline
Under "Gift Details," select "Type your own fund" from the "I want to support " dropdown and enter: "Kapaun Kitchen Upgrade Project"
Klein Funeral Home - Champions