John McDowell

John McDowell passed from this life June 7 after a long illness. He passed at home with his wife, stepson and stepdaughter by his side. John was born to Katherine Branigar McDowell and John Hunter McDowell of Evanston, Ill, November 27, 1934. His childhood and youth were spent in Winnetka Ill.
Although always fond of the Chicago area, John adopted Oklahoma as his home soon after graduating from Colgate University with a major in geology and studying law at John Marshall Law School in Chicago. It was his passionate love of geology that led him to pursue a career searching for oil.
John was a devoted member of the congregation at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Norman, Oklahoma and also an active member of the Cleveland County Democratic Party.
John had a keen appreciation for art which he also studied in college. He also loved and appreciated the beauty of the natural world which he enjoyed while exploring hiking trails, caring for his own garden, and exploring his historic neighborhood with his buddy the poodle named Louis.
Probably he is best remembered for his immense enjoyment of jokes and humor which he shared with friends and strangers. To make others smile or laugh was his ministry.
John is preceded in death by his parents. Succeeding him are his wife Suzette, his son Todd McDowell and wife Kara and their son Oscar, his stepson William Hughes and wife Heather Hughes, stepdaughter Suzanne Lander and husband Darryl, step granddaughters Angela Francis and Celeste Lander.
The funeral services will be held at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 1601 W. Imhoff Road, Norman, Oklahoma at 2:30 PM June 23. Reception to follow at the church gathering space.
Flowers are welcome, but those who wish may contribute the Bushenyi Alliance for Rural Health and Development (BAHRD) Ministry, c/o St. Michael's Episcopal Church, Norman, in John's honor and memory.