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LeRoy "Mac" McDowell

January 7, 1931 - May 20, 2019
Hudsonville, MI

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Visitation

Friday, May 24, 2019
10:00 AM EDT
Holy Redeemer Church
2700 Baldwin Street
Jenison, MI 49428
Web Site

Service

Friday, May 24, 2019
11:00 AM EDT
Holy Redeemer Church
2700 Baldwin Street
Jenison, MI 49428
Web Site

Contributions


At the family's request memorial contributions are to be made to those listed below. Please forward payment directly to the memorial of your choice.

Holy Redeemer Church
2700 Baldwin Street
Jenison, MI 49428
Web Site

Flowers


Below is the contact information for a florist recommended by the funeral home.

Ball Park Floral
8 Valley Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
(616) 459-3409
Driving Directions
Web Site

Life Story / Obituary


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LeRoy “Mac” McDowell was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. A family man through and through, there simply wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for each and every one of them. They relied on his gentle wisdom and warm sense of humor over the years to guide them with life’s challenges as well as share in their celebrations. Devoted to his family, there is no doubt that he will be deeply missed.

The 1930s were significantly impacted by the effects of the Great Depression. Banks were still closed but there was a promise of a new election year awaiting. By 1931, mobster Al Capone was locked away in Alcatraz, the Empire State Building had finished completion, and one of the greatest droughts in American history had hit the Central Plains region. During the middle of one of the toughest decades in American history, William and Mary (Simson) McDowell welcomed home the arrival of their newborn son, LeRoy on January 7th in Hulbert, Michigan. Born one of seven children, his birth brought much joy to the family during tough economic times.

Growing up on a farm in Central Lake, LeRoy “Mac” grew accustomed to pitching in and sharing the workload from an early age. With enough siblings to share the burden, they also made many lasting memories during those years living in the country. Born with an innate sense of sports and athletics, he spent many of his childhood and adolescent years on a field or court playing third base on the baseball team and point guard on basketball in high school. LeRoy was lucky to be on the team during their 1950 season where they held the state championship title for their Class D division! He often reflected on that period of his life as being a special moment in time. His love of sports followed him well into his fifties where he remained active by playing softball and bowling on a league. His sister, Thelma, however, deserves the credit for teaching him how to dance. Especially close to Thelma, LeRoy trusted her skills and as a result, enjoyed gracing countless dancefloors during his lifetime.

Not to be forgotten was the meeting of the woman who would change the direction of his life forever, Joyce Ann Petrie! She was a cheerleader for a rival school he was competing against in basketball and when his eyes met hers, the rest was history! Once he figured out that she loved to dance, he was eager to spend the rest of his life with her. Honeymooning in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula after their July wedding ceremony, the happy couple eventually settled in the Wyoming area. Together they welcomed four wonderful children into their home and raised them with unconditional love and a solid foundation. They made many treasured memories tent camping up north and were especially fond of the Central Lakes area and Thurston Park. Nearly each and every holiday was shared in the beautiful up north area over the years.

As a father, LeRoy was dependable and nurturing. He coached his kid’s football and softball teams and was always their loudest cheerleader for each success that came their way! A great provider, he worked hard in many areas including the distribution of fresh fruits and vegetables to various businesses. His valuable expertise and reputation led him to become a top salesman for Super Foods of Michigan. Sadly, by the year 2005, his life dance partner and love of his life, Joyce, passed away. LeRoy leaned on the support from his many special friends and family to see him through such a difficult loss.

Picking up the pieces, LeRoy took to the dance floor at the local VFW to heal his weary heart. Much to his surprise, Darlyne was there one evening and he asked her to dance. Although he admitted he was not Catholic during their first dance together, he didn’t let that stop him from proposing to her over the course of their short courtship. Sharing so many commonalities, they joined in marriage on July 21, 2007, at Holy Redeemer Church. Afterward, he committed to the Catholic faith and became a member of the church. He and Darlyne honeymooned in Traverse City for a wonderful week of relaxation. Happy to find companionship once again, they enjoyed time by the water, a little bit of gambling, and dancing before heading back to Hudsonville. When they weren’t busy on the dance floor, they shared a love of watching sports together, eating out at Red Lobster, and watching old Western movies. LeRoy had a special way of treating everyone he met with kindness. Each and every person was made to feel special. He modeled for his family the idea that everyone deserves love. LeRoy will be remembered for his loyalty toward others. May his loved ones look back fondly on the rich collection of memories he leaves behind. Each time they gather together may they continue to share his beautiful story and nurture in their own hearts the same sense of integrity that he taught them over the years.

LeRoy “Mac” McDowell, age 88, of Hudsonville, Michigan died Monday, May 20, 2019, in Grand Rapids following a long illness. He was a dependable, loving man with a great sense of humor and an avid Detroit Tigers fan. Mac was born in Hulbert, MI the son of the late William and Mary McDowell. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Joyce Ann (Petrie) in 2005. He is survived by his wife of nearly 12 years, Darlyne McDowell; children, Carla (Joe) Guotana of Houston, TX, William (GeeGee) McDowell of Petoskey,Gregory (Debbie) McDowell of Houston, TX, Shonnie (Rod) Plasman of Comstock Park; step-children, Deborah (Dr Steven) Perry of Rockford, Denise (Joel) Anderson of Greenville, Mark (Jennifer) Bowhuis, of Berrien Springs, Michael (Marcey) Bowhuis of Rockford, Matthew (Stacy) Bowhuis of Cedar Springs; 8 grandchildren; 13 step-grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, May 24, 2019, at 11 AM at Holy Redeemer Church, 2700 Baldwin Street in Jenison. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10 AM. Inurnment will be in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Holy Redeemer Church. Please visit Mac's web page to leave a memory or condolence at www.lifestorynet.com.

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