Funeral service for CW3 (Retired) Charles H. McDowell, Sr., will be at 2:00 pm Friday, March 9, 2018 in the Becker-Rabon Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial with full military honors will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Lawton.

CW3 (Retired) Charles H. McDowell, Sr., 88, Lawton passed away Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the Lawton/Fort Sill Veterans Center.  He was born January 2, 1930 in Port Jervis, New York to Emmett Asher and Beatrice (Buchanan) McDowell.  He joined the US Army in 1948 and served many duty stations across the globe until his retirement after 23 years in 1972.  He married Alberta Arlene Hallock in Port Jervis, New York.  She preceded him in death.  He then married Billie Jo Young on October 31, 1973 in Vernon, TX.  She passed away November 19, 1997.  Following his Army retirement, he went to work for Arkla Gas Co. for 15 years before retiring from there.  Charles was always one to stay busy and active, so he then went to work for Country Mart in Lawton where he worked into his early 80's, stocking shelves and bagging groceries.  He enjoyed being with people and especially his family.

Survivors include his 10 children; Penny Wilson and husband Tommy of Cache, David McDowell of Altus, Charles McDowell, Jr. and wife Cheryl of Wichita, Kansas, Michael Hawke of Texas, James Hawke and wife Cindy of Georgia, Rhonda Harper and husband Lynn of Lawton, Teisha McDowell of Lawton, Tiffany Sarina and husband Matt of Lawton, Meredith Paige McDowell of Lawton, Lacey McDowell of Lawton, 21 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.  He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents, both his wives, 2 brothers and his sister.