Robert Lee McDowell

Bob was born March 3, 1917, to Willie Lee Otis McDowell and Nellie (Allmen) McDowell. After his father's passing from TB when Bob was three, Nellie was forced to place her children in foster care with DePelchin Children's Center in order to find work. Nellie met widower Rudolph Supka during her visits to DePelchin and they later married and lovingly raised their combined family.

Bob met the love of his life, Elsie Topfer, one day as he carried her books home from Deady Junior High. They were sweethearts "forever after". Bob and Elsie married May 5, 1938, at Park Place Lutheran Church. Together they build their home in Park Place where they resided until is passing.

Bob is predeceased by his parents; his infant daughter Carroll Ann McDowell; and all of his seven beloved siblings. He is survived by his wife of over 72 years, Elsie; son, John Lee McDowell; daughter, Marylyn (Edward) Broussard; and daughter Shirley McDowell and Angie Osbon. Deeply mourning his passing are his devoted grandchildren: Robert (Karen) Broussard, and Bridget (Cary) Wright; and his three especially beloved and loving great-grandchildren: Kathryn Elizabeth Broussard, Karli Hannah Wright and Carson Robert Wright. Also survived by his sister-in-law Ruth Topfer and Frances Supka, and many very special nieces, nephews and dear life-long friends who became more "family" than friends.

Bob left school after 7th grade during the Great Depression to find work to assist his family. He began as a bicycle courier delivering optical wares for Southwestern Optical Company all around Houston. Do to his abilities and work ethics, Bob later advanced to optician and finally General Manager. When Southwestern moved its offices to Dallas, Bob decided not to uproot his family and was hired as General Manager of Southern States Optical, where he worked until he was 80. But, Bob never really retired. He always had "projects" to keep him and others busy.

The family wishes to thank his long-term physicians and home health aide for their extraordinary care: Dr. Rajeev Grover; Dr. S. Kloeris; and Kathy Guerra. In addition, they wish to extend their most heartfelt to the extreme grace and caring of the nurses in the palliative care unit of Memorial Herman Hospital Southeast. What a blessing they were to help ease Bob's final Earthly battle and provide solace to the family.

All services are scheduled Saturday, February 5, 2011, at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale, Houston (Visitation: 11:00 AM and Funeral: 12 Noon.) Officiating: Pastor Brian Gigee, New Life Lutheran Church, Pearland. Interment to follow.

In lieu of customary remembrance, memorial gifts may be directed to DePelchin Children's Center (www.depelchin.org) or a charity of choice.