Retired Master SGT Louie Brown McDowell, Sr. U.S.A.F, age 93 of Smithville, passed away peacefully Friday, November 22, 2019 at NHC Healthcare in Smithville surrounded by his children. 

 He was born April 3, 1926 in DeKalb County to his parents, the late Toy and Mary Edna Lawrence McDowell.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Willa Mae Hayes McDowell; daughter, Emily Patricia “Pattie” Clayborn; son, Louie Brown McDowell, Jr.; brother, Toy McDowell, Jr.; sister, Inez Driver and grandson, Brian Clayborn.

 Louie retired from the United States Air Force following 20 years of service that included combat action during WWII in France and Austria and assignments in Alaska, Texas, Maine and Hawaii.  Following his retirement from the Air Force, Louie also retired from Carrier Corporation after several years working there. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed sharing his knives, frames, quilt racks, chests and other treasures with his family and friends.

 He leaves to cherish his memory, three children, Cheryl Kay (David) Bower of Shelbyville, Cathy Lynn (Ronnie) Gay of Fayetteville and David Lane McDowell of Baxter; 12 grandchildren, Jason David (Vicky) McDowell of Birmingham, Jennifer April (Michael) Nordhoff of Franklin,  Patrick (Wendy) Clayborn of Smithville; Mark (Adrianne) Gay of Fayetteville, Matthew (Amber) Clayborn of Smithville, Mary Kathryn McDowell of Atlanta, Christian Gay of Fayetteville, Carolyn (Trent) Burnett of Manchester, Teresa Scott of Woodbury, William “BJ” Beard of Smyrna, Nathan (Melissa) McDowell of Sparta and Adam McDowell of Cookeville; 18 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Josh, Justin, Ethan, Ben, Carson, Caleb, Molly, Maelynn, Dylan, Maddie, Emily, Ella, Cody, Tiffany, Cherish, Charity and Hannah; two brothers, Ike McDowell of Norene and Dan McDowell of Nashville; two sisters-in-law, Linda (Clarence) Dickens of Mt. Juliet, Ruth Roper of Hermitage; brother-in-law, Don Bass of Nashville; special caregiving friend, Kim Stults and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service was held Monday, November 25, 2019 at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with burial to following in Prosperity Cemetery with full Military Honors. 

 Serving as pallbearers were Jason McDowell, Patrick Clayborn, Matthew Clayborn, Nathan McDowell, Adam McDowell, Mark Gay, Christian Gay, and William (B.J.) Beard.

 DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.

Smithville Review