Walter Joseph McDowell Lt. Col. U. S. Army (Ret) 98, died Monday (07/01/13). Born April 21. 1915 in Tryon, North Carolina to the late Hezekiah C. McDowell and Winona Stewart. He was the youngest of three children. He moved to Englewood, New Jersey where he first started school.
During his grade school years he moved to Hackensack, New Jersey where he completed grade, and high school. A graduate of John C. Smith University, Walter taught school before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1942. A veteran of WWII, Walter was a member of The 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion as well as attending Flight School in Tuskegee, Alabama. While serving in the European theatre, Walter was awarded a Bronze Star before returning to the states and embarking on a war bonds tour.
A longtime resident of Wharton, NJ, Walter spent the years leading up until his retirement working at the Picatinny Arsenal as both a military officer and civilian employee. An avid golfer, Walter spent all the time he could on the course well into his 93rd year. Walter also loved photography and travel. Walter was the member of many clubs and organizations throughout his life. Quick to tell a story or offer encouragement, Walter was the kind of person that would lend a hand whenever you needed.
Survived by: grandchildren Evamarie R. McDowell-Coffin and Walter J. McDowell III of Lincoln, NE, Many great-grandchildren, extended family and friends. Preceded in death by his wife Marianne J. Douglas and son Walter J. McDowell II.
Memorial service to be held Wednesday (07/03/13) at 4:00pm, Roper & Sons Funeral Services.