William "Doc" S. McDowell, DVM

William Simon McDowell, DVM, 86, of Vandalia, MO passed away at 2:35 PM Thursday, May 23, 2019, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church in Vandalia, MO. The Rev. Joel Montgomery will officiate. Burial will be in the Wellsville Cemetery following the service.

Visitation celebrating William's life will be held 1:00 PM until the time of service Sunday, May 26, 2019, at the First Presbyterian Church in Vandalia, MO.

The family is being served by the Waters Funeral Home of Vandalia.

William "Doc" was born on February 1, 1933, in Alva, OK the son of William Baker and Florence Mildred (Edwards) McDowell.

He was united in marriage to Charlotte L. Bennett on March 20, 1955, in Belvidere, Illinois.

Survivors include two sons, James (Marie) W. McDowell of Macon, MO and Douglas (Joanna) H. McDowell of Columbia, MO; grandchildren, Samuel (Abby) W.P. McDowell, Emma (Taylor) E. Potter, Amanda (fiancé Daniel Hakes) L. McDowell, Joshua D. McDowell, Kerry (Eli) A. Beasley, Joshua H. Hockman, Jacob W. Hockman; great-granddaughter, Elizabeth Beasley; sister, Shirley Crum of Columbia, MO and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, one sister, Phyllis McDowell and a daughter-in-law, Martha Pilliard McDowell.

William graduated from Alva High School in Alva, OK and went on to further his education at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, OK. Dr. McDowell practiced veterinary medicine in Mid-Missouri most of his career. He was a USDA Federal Veterinarian after closing his practice  in 1988. His passion was being with his family and raising angus cattle. He was a devoted husband and father. He proudly served his country in the US Army and was assigned state side duties during the Korean Conflict.

Doc enjoyed traveling, telling stories about his experiences and family gatherings. His hard work ethic, love of family, perseverance and Christian faith were evident in his everyday life. He attributed many of these qualities to being raised on goat milk in northwest Oklahoma, hiring out to a ranch at age twelve, riding saddle broncs, and having faithful parents and grandparents who prayed for him.

Pallbearers will be Tommy Crum, Josh Hockman, Josh McDowell, Jacob Hockman, Sam McDowell, Eli Beasley, Taylor Potter and Kevin Keltner.

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church in Vandalia or the Wellsville Cemetery, in care of Waters Funeral Home 500 S. Main St. P.O. Box 84 Vandalia, MO 63382.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on William's memorial page at www.watersfuneral.com.