Francis Marion Dowling Jr.

He lived a full life, faithful to his family and community as he pursued his passion of ranching. He attended Beaumont Schools and was Valedictorian of his high school graduating class.

During World War II, he served as an electronic technician in the Navy. Following his service to his country, he attended UCLA and graduated in 1950 earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture, which laid the foundation for his future endeavors in ranching. He purchased land for his fruit orchard in Beaumont, where he and his father planted 25,000 trees, beginning what became a thriving fruit ranch. The Dowling Fruit Orchard is a well-known landmark on Highway 60.

One of his favorite times of year was cherry season. He received the honor of being the “honored citizen” at the 1993 Cherry Festival in Beaumont. A treasured highlight for him was being asked to drive his tractor in the 2010 Cherry Festival parade as a recipient of a vocational service award.

His wife, Estella Dowling, preceded him in death.

He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, John and Shelly Dowling, of Beaumont; his daughters and sons-in-law, Lynette Dowling and David Wolfskill, of Redwood City, Calif. and Janet and Patrick Brown, of Anaheim Hills; six grandchildren: James, Brianna, Cameron, Brian, Christine and Hannah; and his sister, Ruth Mary Beal, of Fullerton.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Weaver Mortuary in Beaumont. Funeral will be held on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m. at Fellowship in the Pass church.