Ray V. McDowell

Ray V. McDowell, a beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2024, at the age of 84. He was born in Delhi, Louisiana on September 6, 1940, to Lawrence M. McDowell and Louise Smith.

In the 1960s, Ray moved to Kansas City, Kansas where he met and married the love of his life, Billie McDowell. Together, they raised a family and built a life full of love, laughter, and community.

Ray V. was preceded in death by his daughter, Stephanie Mayberry (Feb 20, 1959 – May 1, 2002); and several siblings, including Joe McDowell, James Williams, and Velma Hilton. He is survived by his wife, Billie McDowell; his daughter, Debbie McKinney (Alan); honorary daughter, Lovie Estell; as well as his grandchildren: William B Estell IV, Kelly Lee Estell, Daryl Warrior, William Shaw Junior, Alexandria McKinney, Arika McKinney, Alan McKinney Junior and great grandchildren: Amina Shaw, Corien Shaw, Aja Hunziker, Cyrus and Darius Shaw, and Amori Harrison. As well as his brothers and sisters: Rezenia Walker (Elmo), Geanetter McDowell, Cynthia Buckley (John), Lawrence (Man) Wilson, Dennis McDowell, Vincent McDowell, Gary McDowell, and Darlene Lewis.

Ray and Billie started the (L.D.C.) Lake Dominos Cards social club. They organized camping and fishing trips, charity and fundraising for the community, travel, parties and many celebrations. Ray V. enjoyed traveling in his RV, fishing, camping, and dancing to the Blues. He loved kids, he was everybody’s papa. He raised 4 generations of children and treated them all with equally abundant love and joy. Ray V. was kind, generous, hard working and strong. He made a good living for his family working as a construction worker for Carson’s Construction.

Ray V. knew how to fix just about anything, especially cars, grow vegetables and catch fish. He was proud of the many houses that he owned and loved to work on. He played music on the guitar, harmonica, and the occasional beer bottle. One thing Ray V. loved to do was dance, and no one could do it like him. If there was music he was having a good time. If you were lucky enough to know Ray V. as a brother, husband, father, papa or friend, then you know what it’s like to really be loved and cared for. He was a light. He dedicated his life to everybody else and never thought twice about taking care of another.