John Winston O'Dowd, 88, went to his heavenly home on Friday, July 23, 2021. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, respected criminal defense trial lawyer, and a minister of the church of Christ.
John was a faithful man who loved the Lord. He loved his wife, family, pets, friends, community, country, and the church.
John's faith was an essential part of his life. He began at an early age preaching and teaching from the Bible, mentoring Christians and participating in the baptism of dozens of individuals.
He was born on March 22, 1933 in Abilene, TX to John & Margaret O'Dowd. He grew up with one older sister, Jeannine. The family relocated to Houston when he and his sister were children.
In 1959, John earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Houston and then passed the Texas Bar Exam. Following his education in the legal field, he began his career with a prominent Houston attorney, Percy Foreman. In his office, he met and was mentored by the well respected criminal defense lawyer, Luther Jones, from Corpus Christi, TX. Luther took him under his wing, and there John was able to build on and expand his education in appellate law. John became a semi-expert in appellate law in a year's time. He went on to become a successful appellate attorney for several years and then later started his own practice to become a respected criminal defense trial attorney.
John was a minister of the church of Christ for various congregations in Texas. Some of these were: Katy, Brookhollow, Westfield, & Giddings.
He is survived by his beloved wife: Kay O’Dowd; by his children: John D.(& Rose Marie Gonzalez-)O'Dowd, Laurie O'Dowd-(& Mark)Pettit, Jonathan(& Stephanie Sherman-)O'Dowd; by his grandchildren: John C. O'Dowd, Jennifer O'Dowd-(& Andrew)Kwiecienski, William(& Jamilliah Gomez-)Pettit, Elizabeth O'Dowd, Winston(& Courtney Wimpey-)Pettit, Brooke O'Dowd-(& Michael)Andrews, Marissa O'Dowd-(& Chris)Valverde, Luke(& Kayla White-)O'Dowd, Matthew O’Dowd; by his great-grandchild: Eva Kwiecienski; also by many other family and friends.
John was preceded in death by his father and mother: John and Margaret O'Dowd, by his sister: Jeannine and many other family and friends.
A memorial service will be celebrated for John Winston O'Dowd on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the League City Church of Christ at 1801 East Main Street, League City Texas 77573.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to one of the following Non-Profit Organizations:
Christian Child Help Foundation
(713)681-6900
Christ Prison Fellowship
Freed-Hardeman University
Parkinson's Foundation
Sunny Glen Children's Home
Texas Boy's Ranch
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.forestparkwestheimer.com for the O'Dowd family.
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