Robert Virgil Dowell

    Robert Virgil Dowell, 100, was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma, on September 5, 1923.  In July of 1941 (two months before his 18th birthday) Bob joined the U.S. Navy.  He served in both World War II and the Korean War. Upon completion of his active-duty service Bob was honorably discharged.  

     In 1953, he received an electrical engineering degree from Texas Tech University and was an employee of General Electric for 33 years, including the aerospace division. 

     On July 13, 1957, Bob married Maralynn Purdy and had 3 daughters and a son.  Bob had been an active member of the Masons and the Shriners Motor (motorcycle) Corps Unit in upstate New York.  In 1987 Bob and his family moved from Utica, New York to Vista, CA after he and his wife retired. 

     Bob recently celebrated his 100th birthday with his family and a large gathering of the neighborhood. 

     He passed away at home on December 28, 2023, and is survived by his wife of 66 years, Maralynn, daughters Leslie and Amy, son Robert, by DeJuan Benford and by a nephew and several nieces.  He was predeceased by his infant daughter, Lorraine.

     He and his good-natured sense of humor will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

    Viewing will take place at the Allen Brothers Mortuary in Vista from 1-3pm Monday, January 8, followed by a funeral service at 3.  Burial with military honors will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Fallbrook on Wednesday, January 10 at 11am. 

     In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family requests donations to HonorFlightSanDiego.org

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