Bowdre McDowell, 99, passed away Sunday, August 27, 2023, at the Claiborne Assisted Living in McComb, Mississippi, where he had been a resident for the past five years.

Born October 18, 1923, Bowdre was a longtime resident of New Orleans, a native of the Thompson community in Amite County, and a graduate of Mars Hill High School and Mississippi State University.  He retired from Pet Milk Corporation and other sales positions over the course of his long career in the business sector.  He also served as Grand Recorder of Knights Templar of Louisiana for thirty-seven years while a resident of New Orleans.

Three years prior to attending Mississippi State, he was called to duty when the country entered World War II.  He served with distinction for over two years with the United States Navy and entered MSU upon completion of his service to his country.

In 2013, he again, compelled by his patriotism, desire to help others, and love for his country,  began serving as a volunteer with the World War II Museum in New Orleans.  He served over five years and said his favorite part about volunteering was meeting all the different people and answering their questions.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell D. and Bessie Anders McDowell of Mars Hill; two brothers, Raiford McDowell and Thomas Hardin McDowell; three sisters, Edwinta McDowell, Edith Fitzgerald, and Jonnie Gordon; nieces, Gwendolyn Green and Carolyn Boyd; and nephews, Jim East, Jim East, Carl Lazenby, Al Gary, and Bill Fitzgerald.

Survivors include one sister, Anne Bardwell, McComb, MS; one brother, James D. (Ginny) McDowell, Bullhead City, AZ; nieces, Joyce (Wayne) Fitzgerald Barnes, Zachary, LA, Jeannie Fitzgerald Gary, Mendenhall, MS, Nancy Gordon Lazenby, McComb, MS, Linda Bardwell, McComb, MS, Jane Ellen (Tony), Florence, MS and Janice (Steve) Lee, Tylertown, MS; nephews, Charles McDowell "Mac" (Mary Lee) Gordon, Blakely, GA, Reggie (Bettie) Bardwell, Greensburg, LA, and Russell Bardwell, McComb, MS, numerous great nieces and great nephews.  Additionally, he has numerous friends and co-workers in New Orleans and the World War II Museum, and many care-takers and residents at the Claiborne Assisted Living facility in McComb.

Visitation will be at Sharkey Funeral Home (Summit, MS) on Friday, September 1, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. until service time at 2:00 P.M in the funeral home chapel. Graveside services will follow at Hollywood Cemetery (McComb, MS).

In lieu of flowers you may send donations to a veterans organization of your choice.