Mr. Patrick Glenn McDowell Jr. 's Obituary
Mr. Patrick McDowell, “Pat,” was born in East Spencer, N.C, on March 15, 1927. He married Beulah Mae "Jeannie" Hayes on September 20,1946. Jeannie passed away on August 31, 2009. They had been married almost 63 years at her death. He is survived by his son-in-law Jimmy Clarkson, son Patrick McDowell III, his wife Wendy, and daughter Mona Lisa Ott; eight grandchildren, Stephen Clarkson, David Clarkson, John Clarkson, Sarah Castleberry, Jacob McDowell, Colin Worthy, Robert Ott, and Geoffrey Ott; and six great-grandchildren, Ryan and Caleb Castleberry, Jack Carter McDowell, Cameron and Emma Worthy, Alaric Ott. Pat is predeceased by sister Gail Cox, brother Bill McDowell, brother and sister-in-law Jack and Billie (neé Towell) McDowell, sister-in-law Billie (neé Kelly) McDowell and son-in-law William Ott.
Pat enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 27, 1942 and served in the European Theater – from Africa to Normandy. His rank was Motor Machinist Ist Class/Acting Chief. He was honorably discharged in November 1947. During the last 18 months in the Navy, Pat was an instructor mothballing mine sweepers at Orange, Texas.
Pat graduated East Spencer High School in 1949--after being discharged from the Navy. In 1951, he completed freshman Mechanical Engineering at the University of Houston and was a Qualified Junior Draftsman. In 1952, I took commercial pilot training for crop dusting and held a private airplane license. In 1958, he attended Lee College in Baytown Texas, majoring in Political Science. In 1960, Pat completed Economics at San Jacinto Jr. College. In 1974, Pat went on to complete sixty hours of Basic Law at the Harris County Law Academy. In 1985, he completed 30 hours in Security Officer's School. In all his years of flying, Pat logged about 2000 hours of single engine time.
From 1947-49: Oakes Motor Co, Salisbury, N.C.
From 1949-1951: Tony Martin Motor Co., Houston, Texas.
From 1951-1952: Log Cabin Service Station, Houston Texas.
From 1951-1963: Shell Oil Refinery, Deer Park, Texas.
From 1963 to 1973: Co-owner and CEO of Rogers & McDowell Automotive Service, South Houston, Texas, with ten or more employees.
From 1973-1984: Harris County, Houston, TX as Director of Vehicle Maintenance Center. Pat saw the Center grow from 300 to about 2000 vehicles. As the Communication Officer for Harris County, Pat oversaw 33 employees, including those in the Parts Dept, Radio Dept, Gasoline Service Station, and office personnel.
From 1984-1999: Vilven Motor Company.
Pat found time, with Lone Star Divers, for teaching SCUBA diving as an Instructor/Trainer.
ACHIEVEMENTS/HONORS
1956-1968: City of South Houston as an elected councilman.
In 1960, spokesman for the Harris County Mayors and Councilmen's Association.
In 1964, elected as Vice-President of the Mayors and Councilmen's Association.
In 1965, elected as President of the Mayors and Councilmen's Association (the third councilman to hold this office).
In 1965, appointed a Charter Member of the Harris County Community Action Association, served on the Executive Committee of the Board, was Chairman of the Clinic Committee, served on Personnel Committee and Operations Committee until 1968.
In 1968, was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Senatorial District 7, Harris County.
In 1968-1973, appointed by Commissioners Court to the Board of Managers of Harris County Hospital District where he became chairman of Building and Grounds, Clinic and Personnel, and Finance Committees. In 1971, served as 2nd Vice President of Associated Public Communications Officers for the State of Texas, Member of National Fleet Administrators, Member of Texas Law Enforcement Association, Peace Officer, Chairman of Harris County Loan Committee from 1973 to 1984.
1997-1998, Commander of VFW Post 9188. For about 10 years, Pat served as Quarter-Master of Post 9188 and then as Senior Vice-Commander.
Pat was a member of Faith Methodist Church in South Houston for over 50 years. He served on various church boards during that time and was a steward. He also taught Sunday School in the Men's Bible Class and the Junior High School Department. Pat was the choir director for about five years and served as President of the Methodist Men. When Faith Methodist Church was closed, Pat became a member of First Methodist Church in Pasadena.
Pat was initiated into the Masonic Lodge (#1295) on May 22,1953 and passed July 21,1953. Raised to Master Mason August 21, 1953. From 1953 to 1957, he served as Junior and Senior Steward. From 1995-1996, served as Senior Deacon. From 1996-1997, served as Junior Warden. From 1997-1998, was Worshipful Master. From 1998 until ~2010, Pat served as Secretary. In 1993, Pat received his 50-year award from Grand Lodge of Texas.
On May 15, 1976 member of Scottish Rite Valley, Houston, Texas.
On May 15, 1976 member of Arabia Shrine, Houston, Texas.
On June 11, 1997 member of Order of Eastern Star Chapter 915, South Houston, Texas. Served as Worthy Patron in 1998 and 1999.
He had a variety of hobbies throughout the years, including flying, shrimping, RV camping, SCUBA diving, and, of course – talking!
What’s your fondest memory of Patrick ?
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