James E. Dowell

James E. Dowell, 79, Red Wing, died Monday, November, 8, 2010, at his residence. He was born September 17, 1931 in Evansville, IN, the son of Alvin and Catherine (Reichert) Dowell. He was a 1949 graduate of Evansville High School and he served in the United States Marine Corps. Following his discharge, he married Orena Georgene Bond in Mount Vernon, IN on August 21, 1954. He lived and worked in various cities in the U. S. as a master plumber, pipefitter, steamfitter and welder in the construction of power plants. They moved to Hastings in 1971. In 1988 he founded his own company, Dowco Valve Company where he remained CEO until the time of his death. He was a member of the Gideons, Union Local 136, and an active member of Cornerstone Community Church. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, reading, writing, working outdoors and is remembered for praying for those in need.

Survivors include: his wife, Orena Georgene of Red Wing; two children: Lucinda (Kim) Beise of Red Wing and Patrick (Debbie) Dowell of Hastings; five grandchildren: Kristin, David, Jonathan, Michael and Nicole; two great-grandchildren: Isabell and Grace; one brother, John Dowell of Tampa, FL; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one son, James Michael; two sisters, Ruth and Dorothy; and half brother, Charles.

Funeral will be 11 a.m. Saturday, November 13, 2010 at Cornerstone Community Church with Reverend Mark Kalb officiating. Burial will be in Lakeside Cemetery in Hastings. Pallbearers will be David and Jonathan Beise, Michael and Nicole Dowell, Isaiah Purzitza and Jason Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be Kristin Beise Handwerk and Isabell and Grace Handwerk. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the services at the church. Memorials are preferred to Cornerstone Community Church Youth Group.