Thomas A. McDowell, 70, of Defiance, passed away on  January 4, 2014 after a Long fought battle with cancer at the Defiance In Patient Hospice Care Center.

He was born on July 18, 1943 to Edwin and Helen (Smith) McDowell in Pike County, OH. He married Patsy L. Armstrong on June 26, 1987 who survives in Defiance.

He was a member of Defiance Church of the Nazarene, moved to Defiance in 1963 to work at the GM Foundry Worker Retiring in 1988, Active in the Union and various projects like the UAW Park, and Family Day, Helped to get Christy Road paved in the 1970's, was a home builder, and built many homes in the area, and was known by his many friends as a song writer, performer, and founder of the Night Train Band.

Thomas is survived by, wife, Patsy L McDowell of Defiance, OH, son, Dwaine (Bonnie) McDowell of Toledo, OH, daughter, Vonda (Felix) Tijerina of Defiance, grandson, Michael (Heather) Tijerina, grandson, Tony Tijerina, granddaughter, Alexandra Tijerina, great-grandson, Xavian Tijerina, great-granddaughter, Areyah Tijerina, great-granddaughter, Gabryel Rose Tijerina whom he named, brother, Edwin (Alice) McDowell of Defiance, brother, Marvin (Shirley) LeMaster of Defiance, brother, Jimmy LeMaster of Waco, TX, sister, Martha (Thomas) Frances of Plain City, OH.

He was preceded in death by father, Edwin McDowell, mother, Helen Smith, sister, Carol Sue McDowell, sister, Marion Thomas, brother, Dennis LeMaster.

Visitation will be held  at Schaffer Funeral Home, Inc., Defiance, Ohio on Saturday January 11, 2014 from 9-2 pm.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11 at 2:00 pm at the Schaffer Funeral Home with Pastor Donald Leonard officiating.

Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society, and the Defiance In Patient Hospice Center.