Keith H. Dowell
Keith H. Dowell, 88, Columbia City, died at 5:02 p.m. Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Parkview Whitley Hospital.
He was born March 21, 1927, in Columbia City, a son of Lee W. and Bessie L. (Pence) Dowell. He graduated from Columbia City High School in 1945.
On Feb. 23, 1946, he was united in marriage to Roedean M. Veazey. They made their home in Columbia City until 1996 when they moved to the Syracuse area. In 2007 they returned to Columbia City, moving to their present home in August 2008. They spent their winters in Venice, Fla. until 2011.
Keith began his employment at service stations until 1953 when he partnered with Ralph Ferrey of Ferrey and Dowell Insurance. In 1963 the business was renamed Dowell Insurance until Keith’s retirement in 1993. Mr. Dowell continued his insurance career with Estlick, Girvin and Lefever until 1996.
He was a charter member of Columbia City Church of the Brethren and Columbia City Optimist Club. He was also a 61 years member of Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks #1417 (serving as past exalted ruler) and a 60 years member of Eagles Lodge #1906. Other memberships included Moose Lodge #3000, Columbia City F & A.M. #189, Scottish Rite, Whitley County Shrine Club, Mizpah Shrine and V.F.W. Post #5582 Men’s Auxiliary.
Keith also served as Columbia City Mayor from 1968 until 1972, on the Columbia City Council for 12 years, Columbia City Board of Works for eight years, Whitley County area Chamber of Commerce of which he was a past president and as Old Settlers Day President in 1977.
Surviving relatives include his wife: Roedean; two children: Teresa Dowell, Columbia City; and Stanley K. (Catherine) Dowell, Churubusco; three grandchildren: Andrew Barrett; Joe Pence; and Sara Pence. A brother: Phillip L. Dowell, preceded him in death.
The funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 4, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery. The visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, at the funeral home.
A twilight service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home by the Columbia City B.P.O.E. #1417.
Preferred memorials are to Columbia City Church of the Brethren for Camp Mack Scholarships, Elks National Foundation or Whitley County Community Foundation for Columbia City Aquatic Center.