He was born Oct. 13, 1943, in Lawrence, the son of Frank Eugene Sr. and Barbara Jean (Harding) Dowdell.

Mr. Dowdell worked as an area assisted living manager for Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas.

He was a member, deacon and choir member of First Missionary Baptist Church, Nicodemus.

He married Sharyn Rose Alexander on Dec. 23, 1966, in Leavenworth. She survives of the home.

Survivors include two sons, David, Denver, and Lateef, Garden City; five brothers, Stephen, Lawrence, Sakeim, Mesa, Ariz., Marcus and Gregory, both of Denver, and Darrell, Sioux Falls, S.D.; and two grandchildren.

A grandchild died earlier.

The family suggests memorials to First Missionary Baptist Church, sent in care of Spencer-Stinemetz Chapel, 522 N. Pomeroy, Hill City 67642.