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James Curtis “Curt” McDowell

4 min read
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Uniontown

Curt McDowell, 96, entered the awesome presence of JESUS his LORD and SAVIOR on Thursday, November 7, 2019 peacefully at home. He was born to Andrew W. McDowell and Goldie H. Fletcher McDowell on February 21, 1923 in Uniontown, PA.

In addition to his parents, Curt was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Ellen Marie Lundstrom McDowell, brothers Andrew A. McDowell (Betty), Clyde B. McDowell (Dorothy), sisters, Louise Sutton (Kenneth) and Edith Herniman (John).

Curt may have been a man of small stature, but was one of giant character, due to his relationship to Jesus Christ his LORD and SAVIOR. If not for that relationship he would not have been able to do the things he did in this life.

He graduated from Uniontown High School in 1941. Curt worked at Hankins and Paulson’s Lumber Co. as an apprentice Mill Foreman until he was drafted to serve his country in the US Navy. Two of his three years in service were spent in the South Pacific, in the Solomon Islands with 70 of those days on the Island of Peleliu as Ship’s Cook First Class he cooked for the Marines, supplied ammunition to them in battle and transported the dead and wounded back from the combat zone. After service he became a member of VFW of PA at large and the American Legion Post 51. When he returned, he worked 10 years as a mason and Foreman for Fairchance Lumber Co., then worked another 10 years as estimator in the Building department and a salesperson in the appliance department for Sears Roebuck & Co.

Curt was a loyal lifetime member of Third Presbyterian Church where he served, His Lord, in many ways – Sunday School teacher, Elder, Deacon, John Knox Sunday School Class member, Choir member, and Cook for the Kitchen Krew. He was a lifetime member of the Uniontown YMCA Board of Directors which had the now dismantled YMCA Camp at the Youghiogheny Reservoir named after him for the many hours he and his dear friend Michael Hyjurick spent remodeling and maintaining the camp. Curt served as Assistant to the Cub Master of Cub Scout Pack 608 and Boy Scout Troop 608. During his entire life Curt enjoyed gardening and yard work but it became his special passion after his retirement and he did raise a very productive garden for many years, which he attributed to God. Curt would readily tell people he only planted the seeds, but it was God who provided the harvest he generously shared with others.

Curt is survived by daughters Nancy (James) Bierer, Patricia (Frank) Berardi, son Fred McDowell; grandchildren Carrie (Dave) Erisman, Laurel (Doug) Lanier; great grandchildren Ellie Duncan and Michael, Libby Gover and Tim, Carly Erisman and fianc Juan Grazette, Emmy Erisman, Tristan, Haley, Mason Lanier; gread granddaughter April Marie Duncan; sisters Goldie Zeller, Audrey McDowell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the ANDREW D. FERGUSON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIES, INC., 80 Morgantown St., Uniontown, PA where the family will receive family and friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, November 11th. Visitation will continue in Third Presbyterian Church on Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. followed by a service celebrating Curt’s life at 11 a.m. with Rev. Ron Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Lafayette Memorial Park.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Amedysis Hospice for the wonderful compassionate care given by his team: Jennifer, Tifany, and Alyssa who made our dad’s end of life more comfortable and enjoyable. We would be remiss if we did not also mention those who were on call for special care and those who filled in for the team: Heidi, Denise, Lisa, Tammy, Betty and Donna. Thank you so much, you all became a part of his and our family.

Military rites will be accorded by AMVETS Post #103 of Hopwood.

Donations in memory of Curt can be made to Third Presbyterian Church, 425 Union Street, Uniontown, PA 15401.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family on the funeral home website at adferguson.com and on the funeral home Facebook page.

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