Eddie Ray McDowell passed away on June 26th in Colorado Springs, Colorado surrounded by family. He was born on December 16, 1944, to Charles and Loree (King) McDowell in Smith Center, Kansas.

Eddie graduated from Kirwin High School in 1962. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ann Bogart, on February 8, 1963. To this union, two children were born, Randy Ray and Edie Ann. Eddie worked at his family’s business, McDowell Motors, in his early years, then attended vo-tech school in Beloit, Kansas where he became an electrician. Eddie moved his family to Colorado Springs in 1972 to pursue his career as an electrician. During his career, he had the opportunity to teach and mentor many apprentice electricians. He enjoyed fishing, camping, a good card game, and time with family.

Eddie is preceded in death by his wife Shirley, parents Charles and Loree (Province) McDowell, grandparents Guy and Myrtle McDowell, and Karl and Jane King.

He is survived by his son Randy (Teresa) of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; daughter Edie (John) Abeyta of Colorado Springs, CO; grandchildren Amanda Abeyta of Colorado Springs, CO; John (Payge) Abeyta of Pueblo West, CO; great-grandchildren Adilynn, Beuer, and Cautler; his sister Sondra (Ronnie) Kester of Phillipsburg; brother Jim McDowell of Sylvan Grove; and brother Rex (Leona) McDowell of Agra. He also leaves behind an extended family of nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2026, in the Kirwin Cemetery, Kirwin, KS, with Pastor Rex McDowell officiating.

Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026, in the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, Phillipsburg. The casket will remain closed.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge, c/o Hugunin Family Funeral Homes, Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, PO Box 563, Phillipsburg, KS 67661.