Joe Ray Dowell

Joe Ray Dowell, 89, of Aurora passed away on April 23, 2026 at the Missouri Veterans Nursing Home in Mt. Vernon. 

He was born April 20, 1937, in Aurora, the son of Elwood and Ruth (McClelland) Dowell. He served his country by being drafted into the U.S. Army where he served in Paris, France for two years during the time of the construction of the Berlin Wall

On June 3, 1960, Joe married Judith C. Ethridge and this past June had celebrated 65 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Judy Dowell of Aurora; and daughter, Lisa Crump of Springfield.

He is preceded in death by his parents Elwood and Ruth Dowell.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 27, in Peterson Funeral Chapel with Ronnie Fieker officiating. A private family burial will follow in Maple Park Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of Peterson Funeral Chapel.