Laverne Gary Dowell, 82, of Burlington, died Saturday, October 8, 2022, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Gary was born May 2, 1940, in Sperry, Iowa, the son of Leon and Lois Granaman Dowell.
Gary grew up on a farm in Southeast Iowa and attended Sperry High School. He was a route sales representative for Mid Continent Bottlers for several years before becoming a route sales rep with Continental Baking Company/Wonder Bread. He worked for Wonder Bread for 25 years before retiring at age 62.
In his spare time and retirement, Gary loved being outdoors, and spending time hunting and fishing. He liked gardening and took immense pride in his many flowers and the hummingbirds he fed. He took immaculate care of his yard and was awarded the Burlington Realtors Pride in Property Award. His Christmas light displays were also well-known in the neighborhood. He liked to play keno and visit with his friends at Jerry’s, where he was a regular for breakfast.
He was a devoted son, caring for his mother for many years. He was also a devoted father.
Survivors include his three children: Todd Dowell (Janice), of Independence, Mo.; Dawn Thurman (Kim), of North Liberty.; and Wendi Flatt (Scott), of Middletown; five grandchildren: Teara Dowell of Burlington, Savannah Dowell of Mediapolis, Caleb Thurman of North Liberty, Todd Stewart of Dallas, Tex., and Abby Enhörning of Gothenburg, Sweden, along with seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Larry Dowell, and his wife, Dorothy, of Lakewood, Ill.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Monte Dowell.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Honoring Gary’s wishes, there will be no visitation or services.
Memorials may be directed to the Des Moines County Humane Society.