Obituary for Harold McDowell
Harold Dwaine McDowell, age 89, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the University Hospital, Columbia, Mo.
He was born on January 22, 1934, in Irish Wilderness, Mo., the son of Lyman L. McDowell and Rita M. Taylor. He was married on May 26, 1956, in Jefferson City to Margaret “Ann” Martin who preceded him in passing on June 5, 2011.
A lifelong resident of the Central Missouri area, Harold was a 1952 graduate of Jefferson City High School. He then attended Jefferson City Junior College where he displayed his school spirit as a cheerleader for the Bears.
Harold grew up on a hog farm and worked as a young man transporting pigs to Iowa, this part of his upbringing earned him the nickname “Pig” from his peers. In adulthood, joined his father in his insurance agency then later became a real estate broker. Harold owned and operated McDowell Realty and Insurance for over 60 years. During this time he became a Century 21 broker. He was a people person and loved to converse with friends and strangers alike, making him successful in his business and earning him yet another fitting nickname, “Harold Talk McDowell”.
He was a proud member of the Masonic Jefferson Lodge #43 AF & AM, the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion Roscoe Enloe Post 5, and served as the President of the Board of Realtors for three years. He was also known for his involvement with Grottoes International as the clown in various parades.
Harold McDowell loved his city. He was a self-proclaimed Jeff City historian. It was important to him that he share local history with his family and friends. From capital tours with his grandchildren to daily drives around the city to enlighten his passengers on the real estate history of countless properties, he made certain that his JCMO knowledge was passed on. Being a sports fan, Harold supported the Mizzou Tigers and coached his children in softball, baseball, and football in their youth. His most important hometown love, however, was the Jefferson City Jays Football team. He and a group of buddies hit the road on Friday nights to be in the stands at games far from home. Harold’s home was host to countless Jays football victory parties over the years.
Harold was a social butterfly and enjoyed the fellowship of his friends at numerous coffee clubs at McDonald’s and Panera. Above all, Harold loved his family. He was a loving and dedicated husband cherishing time spent with his wife traveling on couples’ getaways, swing dancing on date night, playing the slots at the casino, and enjoying “toddy time” at 4:00 p.m. each day, a tradition he continued even after her passing. He was a supportive and active father. Harold was approachable, dependable and was always ready to offer sage advice.
Survivors include: his children, Rick McDowell (Sally) of Parkville, MO., Cindy Lipp of Jefferson City, Mo., and Suzie Settle (Mike) Smithville, Mo.; sister, Carolyn McDowell of Jefferson City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Madison McDowell, Corey Lipp, Austin Lipp, Steven Settle, Kaleb Settle, and Megan Settle; and two great grandchildren, Jackson and Audrey Settle.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ann McDowell; his parents; one brother, Darrell McDowell; and one grandson, Taylor McDowell.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at Freeman Mortuary.
The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Melissa Hatfield officiating. Harold will be laid to rest beside his wife at Riverview Cemetery following the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Jays Football Foundation.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.
He was born on January 22, 1934, in Irish Wilderness, Mo., the son of Lyman L. McDowell and Rita M. Taylor. He was married on May 26, 1956, in Jefferson City to Margaret “Ann” Martin who preceded him in passing on June 5, 2011.
A lifelong resident of the Central Missouri area, Harold was a 1952 graduate of Jefferson City High School. He then attended Jefferson City Junior College where he displayed his school spirit as a cheerleader for the Bears.
Harold grew up on a hog farm and worked as a young man transporting pigs to Iowa, this part of his upbringing earned him the nickname “Pig” from his peers. In adulthood, joined his father in his insurance agency then later became a real estate broker. Harold owned and operated McDowell Realty and Insurance for over 60 years. During this time he became a Century 21 broker. He was a people person and loved to converse with friends and strangers alike, making him successful in his business and earning him yet another fitting nickname, “Harold Talk McDowell”.
He was a proud member of the Masonic Jefferson Lodge #43 AF & AM, the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion Roscoe Enloe Post 5, and served as the President of the Board of Realtors for three years. He was also known for his involvement with Grottoes International as the clown in various parades.
Harold McDowell loved his city. He was a self-proclaimed Jeff City historian. It was important to him that he share local history with his family and friends. From capital tours with his grandchildren to daily drives around the city to enlighten his passengers on the real estate history of countless properties, he made certain that his JCMO knowledge was passed on. Being a sports fan, Harold supported the Mizzou Tigers and coached his children in softball, baseball, and football in their youth. His most important hometown love, however, was the Jefferson City Jays Football team. He and a group of buddies hit the road on Friday nights to be in the stands at games far from home. Harold’s home was host to countless Jays football victory parties over the years.
Harold was a social butterfly and enjoyed the fellowship of his friends at numerous coffee clubs at McDonald’s and Panera. Above all, Harold loved his family. He was a loving and dedicated husband cherishing time spent with his wife traveling on couples’ getaways, swing dancing on date night, playing the slots at the casino, and enjoying “toddy time” at 4:00 p.m. each day, a tradition he continued even after her passing. He was a supportive and active father. Harold was approachable, dependable and was always ready to offer sage advice.
Survivors include: his children, Rick McDowell (Sally) of Parkville, MO., Cindy Lipp of Jefferson City, Mo., and Suzie Settle (Mike) Smithville, Mo.; sister, Carolyn McDowell of Jefferson City, Mo.; six grandchildren, Madison McDowell, Corey Lipp, Austin Lipp, Steven Settle, Kaleb Settle, and Megan Settle; and two great grandchildren, Jackson and Audrey Settle.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Ann McDowell; his parents; one brother, Darrell McDowell; and one grandson, Taylor McDowell.
A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, at Freeman Mortuary.
The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, March 10, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Melissa Hatfield officiating. Harold will be laid to rest beside his wife at Riverview Cemetery following the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Jefferson City Jays Football Foundation.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.