Russell V. McDowell

Today we mark the passing of a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great friend. Dr. Russell V McDowell was born January 14, 1937, in Pontiac, Michigan. Soon after his birth, his parents returned to their hometown of Harrisburg, Illinois where he spent the majority of his early childhood and teen years. Upon graduating from Harrisburg High School in 1955, Russell enrolled at Southern Illinois University on a U.S. Air Force ROTC scholarship, graduating with Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics in 1959. On October 25, 1959, Russell received his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1981. His distinguished Air Force career was varied, including tenures as in as an intelligence officer and ROTC instructor. In 1967, at the age of 30, he was admitted into West Virginia University’s School of Medicine, graduating as class president in 1971. Following medical school, Russell resumed active duty status at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, MS where he completed his residency program in pediatrics. At the time of his retirement from active duty, Russell held the position of Director of Medical Education at Keesler AFB Medical Center. As a civilian, Russell spent many years working at Biloxi Regional Medical Center (BRMC) in the position of ER doctor. During his time at BRMC, he was branded as “Dr. Mac”, and was known for his stamina, regularly working 24-hour shifts, his ability to relate to all patients and ER staff, and solving many a crossword puzzle during his numerous long days and nights spent working in the ER. Survivors include his beloved wife Barbara (Bunny); his children, Mitchell McDowell and his wife Mindy of Ocean Springs, MS, Amy Peattie and her husband Shannon of Ocean Springs, MS. A daughter, Gina McDowell, preceded him in death. His five grandchildren, Amanda Peattie, Shanna Peattie, Kyle McDowell, Mason McDowell, and Morgan McDowell. His sister Susie Lovegarden of Sedona, Arizona and his brother Richard McDowell of Florissant, Missouri and a host of very close cousins, nieces, nephews, and special brother-in-laws Jerry, Bill, and Don Upchurch. Born into humble beginnings, Russell’s primary focus was to create a better life for himself, wife, kids, and grandkids. His family would like to say, “Mission Accomplished Grandpa Russell/Poppy – RIP.” A Memorial service will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, Mississippi. The Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the Memorial Service at the Ocean Springs Community Center, adjacent to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, located at 512 Washington Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564.