With hearts breaking, we announce the passing of Edward Lee Dowell (76) with his wife, daughter and son by his side. He courageously fought a short battle with an aggressive, incurable cancer.
He was born to Floyd Edward Dowell and Betty Berniece Moody Dowell on November 10, 1949 in Hutchinson, KS. Later, his mom married Leon “Frosty” Boughner. Survivors include wife Shirley Volden Dowell, daughter Michelle Dowell Berry, both of Tecumseh, KS; Edward “Eddie” and Tonja Dowell of Cheney, KS; 3 grandkids, Sam & Lucas Berry and Quinhlan Dowell, many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and close friends.
Proceeding him in death include his grandparents, parents, his stepdad, his only sibling Floyd “Teddy” Leo Dowell, his 20 day old grandson Vincent Nathaniel Berry, uncles, aunts, cousins, and two rainbow grandkids.
He adored his family. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids. He loved camping, fishing, yardwork, woodworking and the surprised talent of painting he started just three years ago. He enjoyed outdoor activities and nature including flower and vegetable gardening. He enjoyed classic cars very much over his lifetime, especially his first car, a 56 Chevy. As a young man, he enjoyed raising pigeons and had a passion for other animals.
If you knew Ed, you would know him as a prankster. One special night, he stopped at Sonic and met his future wife. About a year later, Edward married Shirley Volden on August 3, 1968 in Liberal, KS. He was 18 and Shirley was 16. Most didn’t believe they would make it two weeks. They had just celebrated fifty-eight years. They had a treat (not a trick) on Halloween, 1970 when their daughter Michelle was born. On June 9, 1973 along came her brother, Edward “Eddie” Dowell.
Edward had many interests; however, his 2nd “Home” was an important stop along the Santa Fe Trail called Wagon Bed Spring. He was an avid metal detecting enthusiast finding nearly 3000 artifacts around the Wagon Bed Springs area. The Smithsonian sent archeologists out to southwestern part of Kansas to catalog his findings. They referred to Ed as an amateur archeologist. He was on the Wagon Bed Springs Chapter board and eventually became the President for several years. He was also a member of the Stevens County Museum board for several years.
Edward was blessed when he was on the Missions Board at Patterson Avenue Church of God in Ulysses, KS. He participated in work camps to Tennessee and took clothing and supplies to Native American Indians of South Dakota. Meeting Roma Lee Cov changed his life. She was like a mom and mento to Edward. He went on several mission trips building churches, schools, and homes in Central South America including Guatemala, Nicaragua, Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador. Shirley and Eddie accompanied him on a few of the mission trips.
Services will be held in 2 places. On November 7, 2026 at Tecumseh, KS just East of Topeka. The Celebration of Life will be held at the Tecumseh Methodist Church from 2-4pm, located at 334 SE Tecumseh Rd. On Nov 14, 2026, a service will be held at New Beginnings Church in Ulysses, KS at 11am
Memorials can be sent to Community Federal Credit Union to help the three grandkids further their lives after high school. If writing a check or money order, please make it out to Shirley Dowell notating the grandkids in the memo. Send the Credit Union at 1015 SW Wanamaker, Topeka, KS 66604 or call at 785-234-1036.
Thank you from our family.
