Robert Lee Mcdowell

He was born on January 20, 1940 in Sulphur Springs, Texas, a child of William A. McDowell and Florrie Coffey McDowell.

Mr. McDowell graduated from Sulphur Springs High School, South Arkansas University, Magnolia, Arkansas, BBA Accounting, Texas A & M, Texarkana, MBA . He graduated from National Graduate Trust School, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois and Texas Banker's Association Trust School.

Mr. McDowell was employed at Texarkana National Bank Trust Department 13 years, Bancorp South Trust Department 22 years and Guaranty Bank Financial and Wealth Management 2 years as a Trust Consultant. Robert's expertise and roots were in the Trust industry in the Texarkana area.

He worked as a radio announcer for 10 years. Served 2 years in the 49th Lone Star Texas National Guard and 4 years in the U. S. Air Force Reserve. Also held a private pilot license.

Robert devoted his life to his wife and family. He gave freely of his time to many civic endeavors including Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, Texarkana, Texas, Wednesday Bible Study, Financial Advisory, past president Texarkana Rotary Club (Wilbur Smith), board member City of Texarkana, Texas Fireman's Relief and Pension Fund, past member of the board of directors of First State Bank of Gurdon, AR, Texarkana Airport Authority president, Chairman of Commercial Division of Greater Texarkana United Way, Board of Directors Greater Texarkana United Way, Instructor Texarkana Community College, Texas A & M University, Texarkana, Texarkana, Texas PTA, currently President of Miller Land and Lumber Company of Texarkana USA, board member of the Mildred Cabe Cook foundation, Recipient of Distinguished Business Alumni Award

from Texas A & M University, Texarkana and Developmental Board of Texas A & M Texarkana.

Always a gentleman, Robert will be remembered for his love of his family, his wonderful sense of humor, his strong character and the incredible honesty by which he lived his life.

Robert is survived by his wife of 47 years, Beverly Jean Yarberry McDowell, his daughter, Jean Elizabeth McDowell Tullis, 2 grandchildren, his pride and joy, Elizabeth Jean Hunt Tullis and John Robert Harrison Tullis; one brother, William A. McDowell, Jr. and wife Charlotte of Sulphur Springs, Texas; a niece, two nephews, and serveral great nieces and nephews.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to the kind and compassionate caregivers at Cornerstone Methodist Nursing Care, Bunch Woodview, Williams Memorial Untied Methodist Church, Dierksen Hospice, special friend and Stephens Minister, Betty Brennan Howard.

Mr. McDowell's memorial service will be Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church at 4:00 in the afternoon.

Those wishing to memorialize Mr. McDowell may make a contribution to Williams Memorial United Methodist Church, 4000 Moores Lane, Cornerstone Retirement Community, 4100 Moores Lane, Domestic Violence Prevention or a charity of their choice.

The register book is online at www.eastfunerals.com.