Walter Rolland McDowell Jr.

Walter Rolland McDowell Jr. was born on June 24th, 1963 in Tahlequah, OK, the son of Walter Rolland and Dora Bell (Keys) McDowell Sr. He was raised with three brothers and two sisters, Everett, Wayne, Vernon, Evelyn, and Marilyn. He attended school and graduated from Tahlequah High School. He then began his studies at Northeastern High School. He was baptized at Antioch Baptist Church and served the Lord all the days of his life in any way he could. He met and married the love of his life, Sylvia Mae Feltman, and together they raised two sons, Tristan Jamiel and Cody Aaron. His family was the central focus of his life. He worked for years as a Purchasing Coordinator for the Cherokee Nation. He was always happy and even though very quiet, he seldom flashed his famous smile, earning him the nickname “Smiley”. When he had time away from work, he was most apt to be doing a little fishing, especially crappie, and watching a few episodes of “Bass Masters”. His talent was BBQ, he could take anything and smoke it to perfection. He loved sharing his talent with others who enjoyed eating his BBQ as much as Walter enjoyed smoking. The food tasted even better if it was accompanied by his favorite team, the KC Chiefs! He had a kind and generous heart and often volunteered his time and talent cooking for T.A.C.H The best friends he had were his grandchildren, Cohltrane, Annalise, and Myles, soon to join the family. Walter was quiet but it didn’t mean he wasn’t enjoying the view from his own backyard, or just being with the family he loved so well. He became weakened following illness and passed from this life into the next on September 15th, 2021 at Tahlequah, OK, surrounded by the family he loved so much in life. He was 58 years old and will not be forgotten.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, and several aunts and uncles.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife, Sylvia McDowell of the home, and his children, Tristan McDowell and Wife Alicia Renee McDowell of Tahlequah, OK, and Cody McDowell of Tahlequah, OK. He is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Everett McDowell of Shawnee, OK, Wayne McDowell of Tahlequah, OK, Vernon McDowell of Muskogee, OK, Evelyn Nero and husband Greg of Mustang, OK, and Marilyn McDowell of Tahlequah, OK. He lives on in his grandchildren, Cohltrane McDowell of Tahlequah, Annalise McDowell of Tahlequah, and Myles Rolland McDowell, soon to join the family. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles and many friends.

Funeral services for Walter Rolland McDowell Jr. will be held on Friday September 24th, 2021 at 2:00pm at Reed-Culver Chapel with Pastor Christian Murillo officiating. Pallbearers for Walter include Bob Chaffin, Alfred Riggs, Glenn Riggs, and Jon James. His honorary pallbearer is Tim Smith. The family will receive visitors at Reed-Culver Chapel on Thursday September 23rd, 2021 beginning at 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM. He will be laid to rest at Four Mile Branch Cemetery next to his dad, Walter Rolland McDowell Sr. Online condolences for his family may be left at www.reedculver.com.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you consider a cause Walter felt strongly about, Tahlequah Area Coalition of the Homeless at www.tahlequahdaycenter.com/donate.