Dana Bruce Dowler

Dana Bruce Dowler, aged 66, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Dana was born on July 20, 1958, to parents William Dillard Dowler and Judith May (Davis) Tolle. Graduating from Elwood Community High School in 1976, Dana would go on to study at Indiana State University, manage several restaurants throughout Indiana, before eventually retiring as a postal carrier for The United States Postal Service. Dana married the love of his life, Abigail (Flynn) Dowler on August 24, 2007, and spent their years together creating lasting memories that will forever be cherished.

A lifelong fan of the Cincinnati Reds, Green Bay Packers, and IU Hoosiers, Dana’s passion for sports was rivaled only by his love for his family, friends, and good times. Dana enjoyed the simple moments in life. He could often be found on his chair drinking a Diet Pepsi while watching Hallmark movies or any reality TV show – his favorite being Big Brother and Survivor. To keep his mind sharp, he loved to put puzzles together or solve sudokus. When he was with friends, he always loved challenging them to a game of poker. Taking in the outdoors, he loved to go fishing and would start a garden every year. A kind and loving soul, Dana touched many hearts that will forever cherish the memories made with him.

Dana is survived by his wife, Abigail Dowler; son, Bryan (Toni) Dowler; mother, Judith Tolle; sisters, Julia (Mack) Fender, Amy (Troy) Garrison, Melanie (Brian) Zolman; brother-in-law Jacob (Erin) Flynn; mother-in-law, Rachel Welch-McGuire; father-in-law, Billy McGuire; and beloved beagle, Phoebe. Dana is preceded in death by his father, William Dowler; stepfather, John Tolle; and son, Duane Dowler.

Visitation for Dana will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 12PM-2PM at C.M. Sloan & Son Funeral Home 1327 North Wells Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46808. A funeral service will start immediately after visitation at 2PM. Family and friends may share memories and condolences at sloanandsonsfuneralhome.com.