Jerry L. McDowell, 81, of Defiance, passed away with his family at his side on Sunday, June 15, 2014 at CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center. He was born January 4, 1933, in Findlay, Ohio to the late Hollis and Verona (Moser) McDowell. On August 7, 1954 that he married the love of his life, the late Joanne Warner at St. Michael's on the Ridge. He graduated from Jewell High School and served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1957. He worked at the State Bank & Trust Company where he started off as a teller. He worked his way up and was integral in starting the data processing group and became president of Rurbanc Data Services. He retired in 1988. He volunteered for Lifeline at Defiance Regional Hospital. He was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and the Defiance Elk's Lodge. He enjoyed golf, playing cards, and spending time with hi family and many dear friends. Jerry's life was filled with love and laughter. He never knew a stranger and had an endearing sense of humor. He will be sadly missed by his son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Deborah McDowell and their children, Hannah McDowell, Rachel McDowell, Sarah McDowell, Bianca Vargas, and Robert Vargas of San Diego; daughter and son-in-law, Dawn and Marty Miller of Columbus; daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Scott Noelcke and their children, Jack Noelcke and Kate Noelcke of Cincinnati; and brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Susan McDowell of Defiance. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years Joanne, who died February 2, 2012, and a sister Elaine Gillette. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Friday, June 20, 2014, at St. John Catholic Church with Father Todd Dominique officiating. Friends are invited to call 4-8 Thursday at Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in St. Michael's Church Cemetery where VFW Post #3360 will conduct honorary military graveside rites. Suggested memorials are to CHP Defiance Inpatient Hospice Center. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.lawsonroessner.com

Visitation

JUN 19. 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EDT)

Lawson-Roessner Funeral Home 1753 S. Clinton St. Defiance, OH, 43512

Service

JUN 20. 11:00 AM (EDT)

St. John Catholic 510 Jackson Ave. Defiance, OH, 43512