Robert A. McDowell

Robert A. McDowell, 83, died on Friday, February 20. Bob was born in Connellsville on July 23, 1942 to James C. McDowell and Marie (Hawkins) McDowell. He graduated from Connellsville High School in 1960 before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts Education from California State College in 1964. During his time at California State College, Bob met and married Shirley Harford and began a love affair for the ages. Their 62 years of marriage produced a son, Eric, and a daughter, Debbie (Martz). Eric is married to the former Jackie Macy, and Debbie is married to Robert Martz. Bob has three grandchildren (Kara, Kyle and Ashley) from Eric and two grandchildren (Nichole and Sean) from Debbie. Bob also has one great-granddaughter, Macy.

Bob returned to school and earned his Master of Education degree in 1975 while teaching at Junior High East in Connellsville. As part of his degree requirements, Bob wrote a master's thesis on the coke ovens of Fayette County. One of his proudest achievements was to have this work made available to the public. "Stone Iron Furnaces of Fayette County Pennsylvania" was finally published in 2025.

Bob was a longtime member of the Connellsville Lion's Club where he served in many capacities including "King Lion." He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge, a board member of the Connellsville Municipal Authority, a board member with the Geyer Theatre, and a member of the Otterbein United Methodist Church. He truly loved people and enjoyed serving and sharing his many talents with others. His many hobbies included wood working, glass bead making, photography, stained glass crafting, history, Sudoku, metal working, and the outdoors. During his final days he said that his favorite project was the creation of hand designed metal trains.

Funeral arrangements for Bob are under the direction of the BROOKS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 111 E. Green St., Connellsville, PA . Visitation and viewing will be held at the funeral home from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. on Tuesday, February 24. Additional viewing will take place in the Otterbein United Methodist Church on Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M, the time of funeral services with Rev. Steven Lamb officiating. Interment details are incomplete at this time. To offer a condolence or remembrance please visit www.brooksfuneralhomes.com