Ronald Gilbert Dowell

It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald Gilbert Dowell announce his passing on September 22nd, 2024, in Savoy, Illinois.  Ron was born on January 1st, 1933, in Fontanet, Indiana, the son of Gilbert and Irene (Niece) Dowell.  

He graduated from Arsenal Technical High School in Indianapolis in 1950.  He later joined the Marines in 1953 and had his basic training at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California.  During his time in the Marines, he served near the Korean “Military Demarcation Line” in the Korean War.  

He married Janice Abbott in 1970 in Champaign, and settled in Tolono, Illinois where he lived for 42 years with his family.  He owned multiple businesses, including Dowell Oil Company and National Car Rental in Champaign, Illinois and True Value Hardware in Tolono. He was a proud member of the local community, member of the Marine Corp League and a longtime fan of Illinois sports. 

He leaves behind his wife Janice, and children Cheri (Guillermo) Amaya, Jeff Dowell, Elizabeth (Jon) Shroyer, and Christopher (Sara) Dowell, his grandchildren Ashlee and Jon Daniel Shroyer, Vanessa, Alexander and William Amaya, Alexis Dowell, and Grace and Deacon Dowell.  Also, his brother Gary (Kathie) Dowell, his nieces Victoria (Jeremy) Ehlerding and Robin Dowell, and grandniece Eloise Ehlerding.  He is preceded in death by his eldest daughter, Rhonda Dowell. 

Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and burial will be held at a later date.  The family has entrusted the Blurton Funeral Home, in Potomac to assist them in honoring Ron’s life.  Condolences may be shared with the family on his everlasting memorial page at: www.BlurtonFuneralHomes.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ronald Gilbert Dowell, please visit our floral store.