Leighton McDowell

1946 - 2015

Leighton S. McDowell

STERLING - Leighton S. McDowell, 69, a lifelong resident of Sterling, was stricken ill and died peacefully on Sunday evening, November 22, 2015. He was born in Newton, a son of the late Charles H. and Dorothy (Conant) McDowell and settled in Sterling when Leighton was three years old.

Leighton graduated from Wachusett Regional High School with the class of 1966. He spent the next 41 years working as a machinist with Olson Manufacturing and its' successor, Inner-Tite of Holden before retiring. In his retirement years, Leighton worked as a van driver for Brewer and Lowe's Village Transportation of Sterling, a job he truly enjoyed. Family meant everything to Leighton and he relished the time he spent with them camping in Maine, especially along the coast. He also had a passion for motor scooters.

Leighton's sudden passing leaves a tremendous heartache with his lifelong sweetheart and loving wife of 47 years, Myrita S. (Stoddard) McDowell; his two precious daughters, Lisa B. McDowell and Juleigh A. McDowell both of Sterling; his cherished granddaughter, Megan R. McDowell-Arnold of Sterling; and his several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, James C. McDowell.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Leighton's family on Sunday, November 29, from 2-4 p.m. at the Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling. Burial in Hillside Cemetery, Sterling will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Sweet Pea for Animals, 1090 Pleasant Street, Paxton, MA 01612 or to the Ambulance Fund, Sterling Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 515, Sterling, MA 01564. To share a memory or leave an online condolence for the family, please visit

www.milesfuneralhome.com