Cover photo for Raymond McDowell's Obituary
Raymond McDowell Profile Photo
1931 Raymond 2019

Raymond McDowell

November 17, 1931 — July 6, 2019

Eldora

Raymond Arthur McDowell, 87, of Eldora, passed away on July 6, 2019, at Valley View Specialty Care in Eldora. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2019, at 1 PM at First Baptist Church in Eldora with Pastor Mark Chapman officiating. Visitation will start at 10 AM at the church until the time of a luncheon at noon before the start of services. Interment will be held at East Lawn Memory Gardens outside of Eldora. Memorials may be directed to the church. Abels Funeral And Cremation Service, Creps-Chapel is caring for Raymond and his family. Online messages of condolences may be made at www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.

Raymond Arthur McDowell was born on November 17, 1931, in Grinnell, IA, to his parents Arthur and Mildred (Hadley) McDowell. He attended Grinnell High School, graduating with the class of 1949. Raymond went on to pursue his higher education at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, IA, where he obtained his bachelor’s degree in business. While at school, Raymond met his loving wife, Betty Joan Weakley, and they were married on May 30, 1955, at the William Penn College Chapel in Oskaloosa. Shortly after graduating, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army, and served as a clerk/typist, being stationed at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. After honorably serving his country, Raymond and Betty moved to Eldora, where Raymond began farming. Raymond and Betty were blessed with two children, Mark and Annette.

Raymond farmed for 38 years, tending to his land and livestock. His passion was providing for his family through farming. After retiring, Ray and Betty enjoyed camping and attending the Iowa State Fair. Ray was a faithful attendee to many of the local high school sporting events. He also served on the Hardin County Fairboard for a number of years.

Raymond's faith in the Lord was the first priority in his life and he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Eldora. He served the Lord in the church in many capacities through the years. Raymond was content with his life and what the Lord had provided him. His greatest joy was getting together to spend time with his family.

Raymond is survived by his wife Betty of Eldora; children Mark McDowell of Eldora and Margaret Annette (John) Armstrong of Littleton, CO; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister Carolyn (Arvin) Haywood of Conrad. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in-law Dyanne McDowell.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Raymond McDowell, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Saturday, July 13, 2019

10:00am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

First Baptist Church

1307 3rd St, Eldora, IA 50627

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Funeral Service

Saturday, July 13, 2019

Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)

First Baptist Church

1307 3rd St, Eldora, IA 50627

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Interment following funeral service

Abels Funeral and Cremation Service

IA

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