Fred Mcdowell,

Jr.

Fred McDowell Jr., age 86, passed away on May 21, 2025, at Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital in Sweetwater, Texas, surrounded by loved ones.

Fred was born on June 21, 1938, in Colorado City, Texas to Fred Thomas McDowell Sr. and Linnie Graham McDowell. He graduated from Colorado High School and joined the National Guard in 1957, serving for 10 years, including active duty for two years in the U.S. Army.

He married his wife Janis Plowman in Big Spring, Texas on September 10, 1965. He attended Howard County College and began working at Safeway Grocery stores in Big Spring, Texas and then in Colorado City, Texas as the meat market manager. He and his family moved to Sweetwater in 1976 where he completed his career at Lawrence IGA in Sweetwater, TX in 1986.

Fred was a active member of First Baptist Church for over 50 years. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club, serving as president for two years, and helped open the Sweetwater Humane Society. He also coached girls' softball for his younger daughter's team. Later in life, one of his favorite roles was working on the Brooks Ranch. Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and lending a hand to others.

Fred is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Janis McDowell; two daughters, Lorie Hinshaw and her husband Stewart of Pearland, Texas, and Melissa Fields and her husband Shane of Albany, Texas and four beloved grandchildren, Sydney Hinshaw of Houston, Chandler Fields of Lubbock, Peyton Hinshaw of Pearland and Chloe Fields of Albany.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his five brothers, and his infant daughter, Leslie Diane.

The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregiver for more than four years, Connie Jones, for her kind and faithful care.  Also, gratitude to the staff at Rolling Plains Memorial and his many wonderful therapists.

Fred will be remembered as a kind, gentle man with a servant's heart. He lived a quiet, meaningful life filled with service, love, and dedication to his family and community. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

There will be a visitation on Friday, May 23, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home in Sweetwater. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 24, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Sweetwater. A burial will follow at the Drummond Cemetery in View, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Sweetwater, Texas, or the Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital Foundation.