Robert Jerome Dowdell Sr. known by his family and friends as “Joe” was born December 6, 1934 in Uniontown, Alabama to the late Henry and Sina Dowdell.  

Through his journey in life he moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he attended Central High School and excelled in sports.  Robert was on the track and football team, having a offer to attend Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.  However, that wasn’t the pathway for him until he was united in marriage to Carrie Williams and to that union, God blessed them with six children.  

Robert still continued to be involved in football not as a player but a coach for St. Peter’s Catholic School.  He retired from International Harvester as a tool and die operator and committee member determining loans for employees.  He always knew the value of a dollar.  

Robert was a hard worker; he took care of his family and friends.  During his spare time, he loved hunting rabbits, ice fishing, fishing on and off his boat, cutting grass while telling us to stay off of it.  He enjoyed playing cards, gardening, watching his favorite team Indianapolis Colts.  In the past he would drive to Ohio to get his lottery tickets.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carrie Dowdell; parents, Sina and Henry Dowdell, Sr.; brothers, Thomas, Johnnie George, Henry Jr., James David, Ernest, Eddie and two sisters, Rosetta and Julia Bell.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Debra Porter, Denise Burton, Doris Dowdell, Diana (Michael) James, Robert “Bobby” Dowdell and Donna Russell; sisters, Angeline (Jesse) Barron, Loucillie Allen and Brenda Qadir; a brother, James Dowdell; sister-in-law, Geraldine and Sarah Dowdell; nine grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

“Joe” will be laid to rest with his wife Carrie

in Lindenwood Cemetery.