Robert N. McDowell, Jr.

He was born December 20, 1917 in Bluffton, IN. He was schooled in Fort Wayne and worked there during the Great Depression.

As a student he loved chemistry and soap-box racing. He moved to San Antonio two weeks after Pearl Harbor and was stationed at Brooks Field, AFB during WWII were he served as a photographer. He continued in the photography business after the war.He enjoyed music and playing classical piano.

He met his future wife, Lois MacDougall, at a dance at the Episcopal Church at the University of Texas. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

He worked as a salesman for many years before starting his own business, Alamo Lighting Service, Inc. He made sales calls throughout the Hill Country and South Texas and enjoyed meeting his customers and driving.

He was extremely active and continued to work, climbing ladders well into his seventies.

He was a dedicated father who cared for his first daughter during his wife's prolonged illness in the early 1960's. He became a father again at the age of 51.

He was always encouraging and eagerly helped his youngest daughter practice the game of tennis and shared his interests in photography and cars.

He was active in St. Mark's Episcopal Church and enjoyed spending time with friends at supper clubs and retreats at Laity Lodge. He also enjoyed spending time outside and taking care of his yard.

He was always kind and gentle, and rarely complained. He continued his sweet demeanor and gracious attitude even in the final stages of Alzheimer's.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Neil McDowell Sr. and his mother, Zelpha J. Brandyberry.

He is survived by his wife, Lois McDowell, of San Antonio; his sister, Sylvia Marsh of Lynchburg, VA; his daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Blake Vinyard of Houston, TX; his granddaughter, Lindsay Vinyard; his daughter and son-in-law, Katherine and J. Christopher Frey of Doylestown, PA, and his grandson, James McDowell Frey.

Inurnment in the church columbarium at a later date.

Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Cecilia Guild Music Fund at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 315 E. Pecan, San Antonio, TX 78205.