William Warren McDowell

William Warren McDowell, of Menifee, CA entered eternal life on February 21, 2012. Bill was born in Pueblo, Colorado to parents William and June McDowell. He was one of three children raised in a Baptist home.

Bill's family settled in San Bernardino, CA when he was 17 years old. He met his wife, Dorothy Jean Gregory, at a young age. Bill and Dorothy married on Valentine's Day in 1953, one month after Dorothy's graduation from high school. Bill and Dorothy started their family in Pico Rivera (Rivera then), where Greg was born. They moved to Bellflower within a few years and Penny was born. From there they moved to South Dakota where Bill was involved in designing missiles at Ellsworth Air Force base and after 2 years in South Dakota, they moved back to California and have lived in Artesia, Bellflower, and Cerritos before retiring to Perris, CA. Bill and Dorothy moved to Menifee in 2000. Bill always took care of his family and extended family. He was definitely one to lean on.

Bill was a dynamic man. He was very decisive and could accomplish whatever he wished. He had a good sense of humor that was a little dry. His wife says you never knew what he was thinking. He is a Polio survivor (Polio took his brother Elwyn's life at the age of 10). He kept in shape and stayed active throughout his life. He weight-trained, kept punching bags, and was involved in the Senior Olympics. He had many hobbies. He boxed in the Navy and played football as well. He worked on cars and motorcycles and raced them. He passed this passion on to his children. As a young child, Penny was the perfect size to install particular engine parts. He helped Greg and Penny work on their first cars (1934 Ford Pickup and 1950 Ford Custom) and helped their friends with theirs as well. In more recent years he built a roadster out of Model A parts and would race it. He owns a '29 Model A and was a member of the Model A Club as well. Bill also worked on airplanes (AIAA Member) and flew them. He wrote and published books. He is also a marksman hunter and card carrying member of the NRA. As an occupation, he was an aerospace engineer. He worked for Northrop for 35 years before retiring. He was lead in designing the F-5, T-38, and F-20 Fighter Jets. Bill was gifted with Yankee Ingenuity, it really showed in his work.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and June McDowell; his brother Elwyn McDowell and his sister Barbara McDowell Davis. Bill is survived by his loving wife of over 59 years, Dorothy Jean McDowell; his son Greg and wife Robin McDowell; his daughter Penny McDowell; and his granddaughter Mallorie McDowell.

Please remember Bill with a donation to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.