Willis Leroy "Bud" Dowell of Lomax, Ill., passed away Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Bud was born May 12th, 1938, to Virgil "Jack" and Edna Dowell in Lomax. He married Judith "Judy" Reid on July 29th, 1956, at the Christian Church in Dallas City.
Bud was an ironworker for over 50 years. He attended Pontoosuc Community Church for many years and served as a deacon. Later in life, he attended the Terre Haute Community Church. Bud enjoyed hunting, playing cards, watching WWE, old westerns, and Nascar Races. He was a deeply devoted family man. Bud is survived by four brothers, Jack Dowell of Plains, MT, Bob (Joani) Dowell of Dallas City, Ill., Gail Dowell of Montrose, Mike Dowell of Dallas City, and a sister, Penny Dowell of Tennessee, IL. Four children, Linda Doss (Bill Merschbrock) of Fort Madison, Sarah Rashid of Fort Madison, Bill (Lori) Dowell of Burlington, and Kelly (Nancy) Dowell of Fairhope, Ala., 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two sisters, Vivien and Sue Dowell, one brother, Terry Dowell, son-in-law Kenneth Rashid, and 2 great grandchildren.
Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Home.
A private family celebration of Bud’s life will be held at a later date.
A memorial fund has been established for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Pontoosuc Community Church. Cards and memorials may be sent to the Bud Dowell Memorial Fund, c/o Banks & Beals Funeral Home, PO Box 70, Dallas City, IL 62330.