Gerald ”Joe” Dowell, 74, Crestline, died Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2016 at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, after a brief illness.
Joe was born in Lee County, Virginia, on Nov. 25, 1941 to the late Emmet and Minnie (Baker) Dowell. He married Beverly A. Rader on April 12, 1963 and she survives him.
Joe was a resident of Crawford County for 55 years.
He graduated from Crestline High School in 1962 and served as a Crestline police officer and chief from 1968-1994. Joe graduated from North Central Technical College and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Heidelberg College. He graduated from the FBI National Academy, Ohio State University and received a master’s degree in executive management from Ashland College.
Joe was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was a life-long learner, always seeking knowledge. The Crestline community was near and dear to his heart.
He is survived by daughter, Shelly and Bob O’Sullivan, of Columbus, son, Jeffrey Dowell, of Nevada, two grandsons, Michael and Jeremy O’Sullivan, and brother Bob and Wanda Dowell, of Galion.
He was preceded in death by two sisters and nine brothers.
Friends may call Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016 from 2 to 5 p.. at the Mark A. Schneider Funeral Home, 223 W. Main St., Crestline. Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 29, 2016 at Mark A. Schneider Funeral Home, of Crestline with Pastor Mike Corwin officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, in Crestline.
Memorial contributions may be made to Crestline Public Library in care of the funeral home.
The Mark A. Schneider Funeral Home, 223 West Main Street, Crestline is honored to serve the family of Gerald “Joe” Dowell.
Online condolences may be made to the family at masfh.com.
