Gary Duane McDowell, 75, of Oswego, died at 4 a.m. Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at Mercy Hospital, in Joplin, Mo. following a brief illness. Gary graciously was an organ donor. Born to Leslie and Lena (Gaston) McDowell, Gary was a lifetime resident of Oswego.
An Oswego High School graduate with the class of 1964, Gary retired from USD 504 as a maintenance technician. With his quick wit and keen sense of observation, Gary had a tremendous sense of humor. A devoted member of Oswego Christian Church, he volunteered his time driving the church bus. He had an enormous heart and never said no to anyone needing a helping hand with any task large or small. To relax, he loved the challenge of crossword puzzles in ink and enjoyed the solitude of fishing when he could.
Gary married Georgeann Records who passed away in 2001. He then married Beverly Kay Stewart in 2005. She survives.
In addition to his wife, Beverly, Gary is survived by one son, Eric McDowell (wife, Delia), of Springfield, Mo.; two stepdaughters, Kimberly Kinley (Casey), of Cleveland, Okla. and Debbie Stewart, of Clinton, Wash. Five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also survive.
In addition to his first wife Georgeann, Gary was preceded in death by his parents, one son, Clay McDowell, two brothers, Donald and Norman and two sisters, Wanda and Patsy.
The family will host a memorial service at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 14, at the Oswego Christian Church. James Garner will officiate. He will later be laid to rest in Oswego Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Oswego Christian Church.
Cremation has been entrusted to Derfelt Funeral Home, of Oswego.