Obituary of Thomas Fredrick McDowell

Thomas Fredrick (Tom) McDowell, age 82, of Brumley, Missouri, passed away Sunday, August 21, 2016 at his home in Brumley. Tom was born January 13, 1934 in Rolla, Missouri, the son of Tony and Edna (Yeates) McDowell. He was united in marriage to Sharon Ann Ely in 1965. She preceded him in death September 23, 1981. Tom is survived by his son Tommy McDowell and wife, Renee, of Brumley, Missouri; daughters Tammy Dawn McGaha of Springfield, Missouri, Glenda Torbert and husband, Gene, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Sharon McCombs of Brumley, Missouri; his loving companion of 34 years, Barbara Cooper, of Brumley, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; three great grandchildren and several other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Tony and Edna McDowell; his wife Sharon; two brothers, Clarence "Kraut" McDowell, and Bill "Pumkin Gaddy" McDowell; and sister Louise "Chubby" Spencer. Tom was a hard working man and spent many years in construction. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying the chance to go hunting and fishing, and was a diehard St. Louis Cardinals Fan. Among his many talents, Tom was a gifted musician who played the Bass and Rhythm Guitars and sang. He was lovingly known as "The Nature of the Beast" to his friends and family. Tom's greatest joy in life were his family and friends. He was a loving and devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather to his children and their families, a cherished companion, and a great friend and neighbor to all who knew him.