Mr. Herman Lee McDowell Sr.

Herman Lee McDowell Sr. was born on August 16, 1946 in Lacey, AR to Erastus and Pearlie McDowell. Herman was raised with six siblings. He had one older brother R.B. Washington (Myrtle), one older sister Leola Roberts (Burdell), three younger sisters Carrie McDowell White (Ivory), Pearlie Golden (Eursie), Geraldine McDowell Turner, and one younger brother Erastus Eugene McDowell.

Herman graduated from Drew High School in 1964. He later earned his barber license from Moler Barber College. He had a passion for barbering. Although this was not a full time profession, he continued to utilize his gift of barbering on family and friends.

Herman was a loving and caring family man. He married Dorothy Lee Harris on July 2, 1965 in Monticello, Arkansas. They were blessed with three children, two daughters, Venelda Todd (Kelly) and Regina Jackson (David), and one son, Herman McDowell Jr. They were also blessed with five grandchildren, Dionte, Javon, Savannah, Gabriel, and Morgan.

Blessed with a strong sense of integrity, Herman was as loyal and committed in his work as he was in the rest of his life. He was employed for 35 years with United Airlines. Though Herman enjoyed his employment with United, he was excited when retirement came in 2003. In retirement, Herman continued to stay in touch with his old friends while making plenty of new acquaintances.

Herman enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. His favorite pursuits were fishing, boating, carpentry, cooking, and traveling. Taking trips provided the chance for him to kick back and relax, to visit new places, and see new things. Favorite vacations included San Diego, Las Vegas, Jamaica, and Hawaii.

Herman passed away on April 27, 2010 at home in Portland, Oregon. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, brother, uncle, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins. Herman is preceded in death by his father, mother, brother R.B., and sister Geraldine.