Horace Bartlett “Mike/Spider” Dowell, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Saturday morning, April 13, 2013, after a brief illness. He leaves his wife of 62 years, Betty Bagwell Dowell; and seven children, Cindy Newlin (FL) and her children, David Newlin (FL) and Heather and Winthrop Allen (SC); Michael Dowell (Pat Gooch) (VA); Jonathan Dowell (TX); Steve and Lana Dowell and their children, Jessica and Elizabeth (IN); Ben Dowell (Mony DeMarco) (GA); Kendall Dowell (AL); Nathan and Danielle Dowell and their children, Perry and Alex (AL); his canine companion, Abby; and many numerous beloved extended family members and dear, dear friends. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Horace and Ruth Dowell, Tulsa, OK, and his brother, Charlie Dowell, Junction, TX. He is survived by his sister, Anne Dowell Barry of Tulsa, OK, and brother, John Dowell of McKinney, TX.
Mike was born in McKinney, TX, and holds engineering degrees from Miami University (OH) and Georgia Institute of Technology. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and Korea, and had a long career as a textile engineer for Chemstrand/Monsanto.
Mike was active in First Presbyterian Church, Athens (AL). For many years, he served on the steering committee of the Tennessee Valley Old Time Fiddlers Convention (Athens, AL), was a member of the Huntsville Fiber Arts Guild and helped establish two regional blacksmith forges. He was also an active volunteer for Hospice of Limestone County. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church (Athens), Hospice of Limestone County (Athens), the Alabama Forge Council (c/o Judd Clem, 111 Yorkshire, Athens, AL 35613), or the charity of one’s choice .
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. May 7th at First Presbyterian Church, Athens. The Harry Richter Sunday school class will serve as honorary pallbearers. Following the service the family will receive visitors in the Rogers Center.
