Ronald Duane McDowell, 79, of Burlington, died Sunday, April 20, 2025, in Rock Island.
Born Sept. 5, 1945, in Burlington, he was the son of Arthur and Mildred Myers McDowell. In 1963, he married Alice Williams. Together they had three children, Mark, Dana and Jennifer. They divorced in 1994. On Sept. 4, 1999, he married Diana Raedene DeVauld in Burlington. She passed Nov. 18, 2020.
He was a graduate of Burlington Community High School.
When Ron was young, he started working for Neisner Corner Store. He would go on to work for JI Case, then work as a Police Officer Burlington in the 60's. Ron made the decision to service his country. He was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving in Germany from August 2, 1971 until July 24, 1979. After his service in the Army, he joined the Illinois Air National Guard until April 3, 1993. After his service, he worked for a short time for Burlington Northern Railroad before finding his passion as a Veteran College Advisor for Southeastern Community College until his retirement. After retirement he worked for Lowe's.
Ron was a simple man; enjoyed spending time with his dog and drinking coffee. He loved supporting his grandchildren at their games and crocheting blankets for them. Ron loved and watched every episode of NCIS and was also a Trekkie. Ron had enjoyed listening to country music; especially, Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson and Reba. He volunteered with the SCC Blackhawks and could be seen taking tickets, or in the beer tent at Steamboat Days.
Survivors include his children, Dana McDowell of Rock Island, IL, Jennifer McDowell of Olympia, WA, Mark (Laura) McDowell of Tulsa, OK, Jessica (Mike) Denning of Cedar Rapids and Jonathan (Amanda) Cooper of Burlington; ten grandchildren, Kasie, Drew, Austin, Jordan, Justin, Matthew, Joshua, Amanda, Finn, and Rori; one great-granddaughter, Marley; sister-in-law, Carol Franklin and her son, Michael McDowell; cousins, Elaine Smith, and Robert Myers.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, James McDowell. and twin, Donald McDowell.
Visitation will be from noon until 7 p.m. with the family to receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The funeral service for Mr. McDowell will be 2 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in Burlington Memorial Park Cemetery.
A memorial has been established for his family.