Ron L. Dowden, 89, St Joseph, MO, passed away on November 27, 2023. Born on September 18, 1934, he was raised by his loving parents Ralph and Helen (Waldroff) Dowden, who preceded him in death, along with brothers, Dean Dowden (Betty) and Marvin Dowden.
After graduating from Central in 1952, Ron wed the love of his life, Virginia "Ginger" Lee Nichols, on June 24, 1955. Their sixty-eight years of marriage not only saw them through many adventures but also blessed them with an expanding family circle.
He began his career in the U.S. Coast Guard, later transferring his service to the United States Army, where he diligently served as a personnel specialist. He expanded on his military career by joining the Air National Guard, as a C-97 Aircraft Loadmaster, a boom operator on the KC-97 aerial refueller, an Aircraft Loadmaster on the C-130, superintendent of the aerial port and finally, he served as the senior enlisted advisor for the state of MO. After his impressive tenure in military service, he spent his retirement delivering flowers for Butchart.
A man of diverse interests, Ron was an active member of Moila Shriner, American Legion Post 359, the National Air Guard Association, and the ANG Chiefs group. He enjoyed sports, including golf, racquetball, playing basketball and pitch. A Chiefs football fan, Ron made each game day special, whether cheering from the stands or the comfort of his home.
Left to honor and remember Ron's love are his beloved wife, Ginger Dowden; children, Robin Oyerly, Rod Dowden (Sandy), and Rhonda Pritchett (Harvey); grandchildren, Casey Workman, Tyler Nutt (Andy), Colby Oyerly (Sasha), Kyle Dowden, and Jared Dowden; great-grandchildren, Vanessah, Hagen, Brendan, Enslee, Ember, Khaidyn, Victoria, Easton, Luke, Lily Ann, and Elliahna. He was also survived by his best friends, Gary and Ernie McIntosh, and Patty Harvey. Plus, numerous friends from Wyatt Park Christian and members of the 139th. He also had a multitude of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 3:00 P.M. Friday, Wyatt Park Christian. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will gather with friends 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. Thursday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
