John Earl Dowdy, son of the late Earl Dowdy and Pauline Robertson Dowdy was born on February 25, 1944 in Bernie and departed this life of October 31, 2015 at the Southeast Health of Stoddard County at the age of 71.

Mr. Dowdy was a Veteran of the United States Army National Guard. He was an ordained Deacon and a member of the First Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. He had worked at several Wal-Mart Stores as the Store Manager. Mr. Dowdy had lived in Poplar Bluff for several years, before moving to Dexter.

On November 17, 1962 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Douglas in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Mrs. Dowdy survives of their home in Dexter.
Besides his wife he is survived by one son, Josh Dowdy of Johnston City, Illinois; by one sister, Elaine and husband Ken Reddick of Maryland Heights, Missouri; by one granddaughter, Avalyn Dowdy of Johnston City, Illinois and by two nephews, Dennis Dowdy of Henderson, Nevada and Michael Hurley of Memphis, Tennessee.

Besides his parents he was preceded in death by one daughter, Deshay Dowdy; by one brother, Rex Dowdy and by one sister, Earline Dowdy.

A grave-side memorial service will be conducted on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at the Bernie Cemetery with Dr. William Vail officiating.

Interment will follow in the Bernie Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests all memorials be made to the First Baptist Church of Poplar Bluff or to 18 ForeLife c/o Scott Kruse, 705 Laurie Circle, Dexter, Missouri 63841.