Richard Dowell

Richard Earl Dowell was born July 21, 1923 and died at the age of 94 September 16, 2017. Dick was born to Donald Devere Dowell and Vera Phoebe (Steffy) Dowell in Detroit, MI. Dick, his sister, Nancy Miller and brother Ward Dowell grew up on the family farm in the Flint, MI area. At the age of 20 Dick enlisted in the Navy and served as a PB4Y air crewman for four years during WWII. Dick had three children Susan (John), Dennis (Joanne), and Mark (deceased 2016). Dick married Barbara Whipple Wentling October 22, 1984. They lived together for the next 34 years in Northern California. Dick and Barbara just relocated to Chico after many wonderful and friend filled years in Wilseyville, CA (Calaveras County). Dick worked in many fields but all were ones in which he used his mechanical and inventive skills. He started in the tool and die trade at Hupp Corp in Detroit after graduation from college with an AA degree. He was a lifelong member of the Stationary Engineers Local #39. Dick had a lifelong passion for airplanes; anytime he could get airborne he was ready. He and Barbara traveled from the Pacific to Atlantic ocean in a Grumman American AA that they purchased for $100.00 and restored by Dick and Barbara for flight. Since moving to Chico last November Dick was involved with the Chico Air Museum spending time as a volunteer as well as hanging out at the hangers at Ranchaero Airport where he was able to fly with many of the generous pilots who quickly became his friends. Dick was an avid skier, learning to ski as an adult in the 1970's. He skied the mountains of California, Utah, Colorado and Montana. Dick was a poet, writer, Apple Geek, husband & "best friend", father, and friend to many. He will be missed. Dick leaves behind his wife and best friend of 34 years Barbara, his daughter Susan (John), his son Dennis (Joanne), and many extended family & friends. There will be a Calaveras County gathering in memory of Dick on October 19th at 1 pm at 657 Loveland, West Point, CA. Please make memorial contributions to: Chico Air Museum, 165 Ryan Avenue, Chico, CA 95973. Burial: internment and memorial at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery (Veteran's Cemetery), 5810 Midway Rd, Dixon, CA 95620 beside his son Mark on October 24, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Finger food potluck picnic to follow the service.