Johnnie M McDowell Sr.

The Rev. John McDowell beloved husband of 31 years to Donna, slipped from her arms surrounding his sick body right into Christ’s loving arms  on Friday December 7, 2018 In Niceville, Florida.  He was reunited with his Loving son Gary.   Born May 2, 1935 in Amarillo, Texas. He thrived as a true Cowboy working the Frying Pan Ranch, riding, and roping.  John was preceded in death by his mother Opal and father John B McDowell.  At the time of his death John was the pastor of His Grace Baptist Ministry in Niceville along with grief counseling led him to the calling with Covenant Hospice.  He pastored many churches serving the area in Okaloosa, Walton, Holmes, and Washington counties before he retired.  John served in the US Navy for four years during the Korean War. He was on the USS Forrestal when it was commissioned.  He then joined the US Air Force  serving in the Vietnam Conflict and late retiring after 17 ½ years, giving him a total of 21 ½ years of military service time.  John became a proud Okaloosa County Deputy Sheriff from 1974 – 1995.  John leaves cherished memories to his loving wife Donna; sons Guy McDowell (Gwen) of Houston, TX and Johnnie McDowell Jr (Lindy) of San Antonio, TX; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; a son and daughter by love Ray, Jennifer, Tyler, and Andrew Carter of Bellville, IL; as well as his faithful fur companions Molly and Desiree who were beside him to the end.  A Celebration of life will be 1:00 pm Friday, December 14, 2018 at First Baptist Church of Niceville, 622 Bayshore Drive, Niceville, FL. John has many citations and honors but nothing was more important than his salvation and leading others to Christ and his family. A heart whelming thank goes to Kindred Home Health Care because without you John could not have been kept at home, and to Dr. Virgil Brown, Dr. Wimer, Phil Jessen, and staff. And to my angels of mercy as well. Jeremiah 17: 7, Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is.

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