Harry Gowdy Doss

Harry was born on June 27, 1926 in Los Angeles, CA to William "Bill" Doss and Georgia Rose Gowdy-Doss. Harry met Celia "Dolly" Ellenor Bender in 1943 and they were married on May 31, 1944. Harry and Dolly celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past May. Harry and Dolly have resided in Austin for the past seven years; they also lived in Kansas, Missouri, and New Mexico. Harry is survived by a large family that dearly love him including, Dolly, five children, eleven grandchildren, twenty-one great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was an only child and was preceded in death by his parents and several cousins.

His children include Mike Doss (wife Evelyn) residing in Pearland, TX, Cheryl Haywood (husband Alan) residing in Austin, TX, David Doss (wife Kathy) residing in Aullville, MO, Jim Doss (wife Sally) residing in Lenexa, KS, and Steve Doss (wife Teri) residing in Fountain Hills, AZ. Harry's niece, Laura Evans (husband Michael) of Jesup, GA is also an immediate family member.

Harry's grandchildren and (great grandchildren) include Chris Doss of Pacific Grove, CA (wife Sandy and children Elena and Avery), David Doss of San Antonio, Andy Doss of San Antonio (wife Kathleen and children Thomas, Aiden, Ella, Wyatt, and Nolan), Randy McChesney of Pearland (wife Ivy and children Evan, Caelan, and Viviana), Kelly Mathabela of Austin (husband Xavier and children Luke and Joshua), Scott Haywood of Austin (wife Megan and children Elle and Drew), Micaiah Slaton of Little Rock, AR (husband Jacob and children Emma, Winn, and Rosie), Misha Scott of Kansas City, MO (husband Matt and child Fiona), Meghan Doss of Kansas City, Kimberly Egedy of Fontana, KS (husband Gerard and children William, Elijah, and Kiersten), and Tim Rampe of Lenexa, KS.

Harry primarily grew up in Benton, KS, excelled in track and field in high school, and qualified for the Kansas State Championships. He enlisted in the Army and Air Force during World War II and attended Friends University in Wichita after serving his country. Harry committed his work life to the grocery business, managing several stores until his retirement in 1991. Throughout his life he was an active member of United Methodist Churches wherever he lived. He was very active in the United Methodist Men and enjoyed taking the lead for cooking. He was also a regular as an usher. He was active in Rotary and the Lions Club and enjoyed fishing and camping with his family for fun. Harry's greatest interest and joy was his family.

A celebration of Harry's life will be held on Tuesday September 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Tarrytown United Methodist Church located at 2601 Exposition Boulevard in Austin.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like you to consider any donations to Maya Mesoamerican Mission (www.mayamission.org), Tarrytown United Methodist Church Mission efforts, or Grace United Methodist Church in Higginsville, MO.