Marvin Lewis Mcdowell

JANUARY 24, 1922-AUGUST 10, 2011

Marvin Lewis McDowell, born January 24, 1922 in Daven Port, Oklahoma to William and Reba McDowell, passed from this life August 10, 2011. He was preceded in death by siblings; Eugene McDowell, Earnest McDowell, Katherine Hefner, Arther McDowell, Billy McDowell, Lloyd McDowell and a son Robert Lee McDowell.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Viola McDowell, a sister Martha (Lonnie) Blair, brother Lonnie (Mona) McDowell, son William (Debby) McDowell, granddaughter Sharene (Patrick) Spielman, grandson Lewis Dale McDowell, great-granddaughters; Sharise Farnsworth, Jessica Farnsworth, Anna Farnsworth and Lacy McDowell.

Marvin moved to California with his family in 1937. He returned to Oklahoma in 1942 to marry Viola Browning. They made their home in Merced. After a tour in the Air Force, Marvin farmed for a time and then got into construction. He made a career in construction as a general contractor. He loved building and doing construction projects.

He also enjoyed hunting and being out of doors. He was always very involved in the local churches where he played guitar, served as Sunday School Superintendant, Deacon and various other positions.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 17, 2011 from 4:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Stratford Evans Funeral Home in Merced. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 18, 2011 at 11:00a.m. at Christian Life Center, 650 E. Olive Ave in Merced.

Arrangements under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, Merced, CA.