Rev. Melvin E. Dowers

He was a native of DeQuincy and had been a resident of Sulphur for the last 69 years. Melvin was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran and had pastored at Victory Tabernacle Assembly of God in Ida, Louisiana. He was a full-time pastor and often enjoyed fishing when he had the time. He was a member of the Southwest Louisiana Minister's Alliance and was a Golden Member of Local 783 Painter's Union.

Survivors include his sons, Melvin Dowers and wife, Jane of Hemphill, Texas, Glynn Dowers and wife, Cindy of Sulphur, Michael Dowers and wife, Deborah of Sulphur, and Dennis "Skip" Dowers and wife, Brylyne of Houston, Texas; his siblings, Emmitt Dowers and Gene Dowers, both of Sulphur, and Keith Dowers, Pauline Demeritt, and Brenda Racca, all of DeRidder; seventeen grandchildren; thirty-four great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Marie Dowers; and a brother, Morris Dowers.

His funeral will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, January 20, in Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. The Rev. Dwayne Stott will officiate. Burial will be in Royer Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-9 p.m. Monday and from 9 a.m. until the time of service Tuesday in the funeral home. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.