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Wendell Dowling Obituary
Santa Paula, CA
Wendell Gaylon Dowling was born September 15th, 1942, in Healdton, OK to Elzie Lee and Rena Mae Dowling and was the baby brother of 8 children. He was called home unexpectedly to his Heavenly Father on Monday September 7th, 2015. Wendell moved to Santa Paula in 1950 and began dating the love of his life, Lynne Andrea Mason, while attending Santa Paula High School and married her shortly after they graduated.
Wendell is best know for his amazing talent as an artist and his great sense of humor. He was great at one-liner puns that his daughters referred lovingly to as "dad jokes". His artwork can been seen throughout the Santa Paula community on three murals and 17 years of Santa Paula Cruise Night T-Shirts and many other areas of the community. He was a great storyteller and loved to pick up his guitar and sing to his grandchildren who all called him G'pa.
He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Lynne Andrea (Mason) Dowling, his daughters Heather den Hollander (Peter) of Bethel, OH, Wendi Mitchell (David) of Fillmore, CA, and Laura Wong (Ken) of Bend, OR, grandsons Jeff Yarbrough-Dowling (Christine) of Bellingham, WA, Joshua Yarbrough-Dowling of Ventura, CA, Jeremy Yarbrough of Ventura, CA and J. Donovan Mitchell of Fillmore, CA, granddaughters Rebecca Sanders (Nathaniel) of Cincinnati, OH, Elisabeth, Emma, Sarah, Hannah, Nella and Bronwyn den Hollander all of Bethel, OH, great-granddaughter Charlotte Yarbrough-Dowling of Bellingham, WA and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elzie and Rena Mae and 7 siblings, Elzie, Jr., Richard, Virgil and Carl Dowling, O'Bera Duncan, Juanita Timberlake and Ruby Pool and many nieces and nephews most recently his nephew, Gary Dowling of Santa Paula, CA.
A service will be held in his honor on September 15th, 2015 at Ventura Missionary Church located at 500 High Point Drive, Ventura, CA. At 11 a.m. The graveside service will be at 1 p.m. at Santa Paula Cemetery and a reception will follow at the Santa Paula Aviation Museum. Services entrusted to Skillin-Carroll Mortuary. (805)525-3391.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wendell Dowling
Monnette Mofield
September 15, 2015
Your journey on earth has come to an end, but life with our heavenly father is forever! Peace be with you always Mr Dowling.
Tom Holland
September 15, 2015
Gaylon and I were friends since the 7th grade (1955). I have his artwork all over my house. He will be sorely missed.
September 15, 2015
Gaylon and I were friends since the 7th grade (1955). I have his artwork hanging all over my house. He will be sorely missed.
Sherry LaVallee
September 15, 2015
My condolence to all the family near and far. I was related by marriage since I was about 3 but the Dowling's are my family. Hearts are broken but his memory will live so long in this community and in our hearts. Till we meet again. Love to you all.
September 15, 2015
I've only come to know Wendell over the last year and a half.
But his manner and creative skill was and still is very up lifting for me.
I've also heard stories of the great journey he has lead throughout his life.
I will miss him, but always remember him through his work and the stories people will continue to tell. Thanks Wendell..! SRB.
Death maybe not an ending, but like a withdrawal, like finishing a long journey.
Turing off the engine and the lights, stepping from the car and walking up the path
To the home that awaits him.
Bob Morris
September 15, 2015
We all will miss Wendell. He was so talented and always positive. I was so fortunate to get to know him when we worked for Pulsco. We will have examples of his artistic talent around Santa Paula.
Theresa Ruiz
September 14, 2015
My heart and prayers go out to the family of Mr. Dowling. Although I didn't know him personally, I am aware of his artwork and what he has done for the city of Santa Paula, my hometown. I so appreciated his artistry and his joking manner with some of the caricatures he has done in the past. He will be missed, but I pray his family will celebrate his full life.
September 14, 2015
Ted & Carol Taylor
September 14, 2015
Lynne & Family, Gaylon is a "Special" individual in many lives. So creative & funny in so many ways. The time we shared with Gaylon and you, through High School and beyond and with your family holds dear to my heart then and now.
Gaylon WILL be missed here on Earth but what he left behind in his work, Love and community, is priceless with a Loving Reminder for us that are left behind.
I Cherish the fact that our separation is only for a short time and we will re-unite again in the Presence of our Lord and Savior Jesus. What a GIFT!
The Drawing (Photo) is a Gift from Gaylon and Lynne to us on our 20th Class Reunion which has hung on our walls since it was given. What a gift it is! Love you Brother and Sister in Christ!
Joy Cummings
September 13, 2015
Dear Lynne,
I am so sorry for your loss. May you be blessed with strength, love, and peace during this difficult time. My prayers and love are with you. Joy
Brenda Vignaroli
September 13, 2015
So hard to find the words to describe the sorrow I feel over the loss of such an amazing and extremely talented man, my Uncle Gayon. Though we will miss him terribly in our lives here.. it's comforting to know that we will all be together again one day.. laughing,singing,joking,story telling and embracing one another in the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ.
"...love will light the way..."
September 13, 2015
My family always spoke of Wendell with great respect. I have inherited several of his pen & inks of historical homes in our area. He will be missed so much.
Theresa & Rick Weiche
September 13, 2015
You'll always lived through youR children. You will not be forgotten.
Kimberly Carter
September 13, 2015
Aunt Lynne, Heather, Wendi, and Laura I'm so sorry for your loss. He was such a talented, wonderful man. I always loved looking at his art that Granni (O'Bera) had around her house and listening to her stories. He is not alone for sure they all together now. Keep your memories close. Praying for peace and strength for you and all your family. love you Kimberly Duncan-Carter
September 11, 2015
Lynne my prayers are with you. It has been many years but I think of you and your family often. I will call you in a few weeks. I'm am so sorry but we know you will see him again with our Heavenly Father. Much love.
Arline Schall (Hot Springs Village, AR)
Marvin & Linda Schaefer
September 10, 2015
Lynne and family we are saddened to hear of your loss. We will always remember Wendell and his special sense of humor he brought to our lives with his art and stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, Marvin and Linda Schaefer
Paula Jones Brennecke
September 10, 2015
I'm feeling very sad right now. Wendell was such a gift to everyone -- friends and family, and even those who met him only through his wonderful artistry (murals, logo, illustrations, etc.). My prayers are for Lynne and all Wendell's family and close friends, as you adjust to this unexpected loss. . . . Wendell, you will be greatly missed. :(
Paula (Jones) Brennecke, class of '60
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