Jerry L. McDowell of Olney, 73, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2014 at his home in rural Olney.

Jerry was born February 05, 1941 in Noble, IL, the son of Russell and Leona (Varner) McDowell. He married Ruth Ann Lathrop on January 24, 1970 at Elm Street Christian Church.

Jerry was a graduate of West Richland High School class of '59, attending the University of Illinois for two years and graduated from Southern Illinois University. He worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base for a short period after graduation before returning to Olney to manage the McDowell/Murvin Insurance Agency owned by Russell McDowell and John Murvin. He later purchased the agency which was then renamed McDowell Insurance Agency and continued as its senior agent until health issues necessitated that he sell the agency in the early 1990's.

Although paralyzed in an automobile accident on July 16, 1952, Jerry loved the outdoors his entire life and spent much of his time on conservation efforts for wildlife and hunting. He hunted small game such as squirrel, rabbits and quail and large game including black bear, antelope, and wild boar but his greatest satisfaction came from deer hunting on his own property from a MAX all-terrain vehicle and later his Kawasaki Mule (or as he referred to them...."his legs"). He was a member of Cornerstone Community Church in Noble, and spent his indoor free time in Bible study.

He is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Ruth Ann McDowell of Olney; Sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Don Shearer of Colorado; Sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lynn and Richard Harrison of Aurora, IL; Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Gary and Libby Lathrop of Findlay, OH; Eight nephews and one niece; and several great nieces and great nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Hazel McDowell Baker, and nephew, Michael Baker.

The Olney Daily Mail, December 16, 2014