Paul Steven Dowdy

Paul “Steve” Dowdy, 69, of Grand Junction, passed away peacefully at his residence on June 13th, 2020. He was born in Sandusky, Ohio on May 16th 1951, to Paul James Dowdy, Jr., and Oma Maxine Young.

      Steve was the eldest child, with six sisters: Deborah (Dennis) Kercher, Sue (Tom) Dennis, Sheryl Dowdy, Sandy Dowdy, Linda (Tony) Kroner and Phyllis (Dave) Brandau.  He had two daughters and one son from his first marriage: Melissa Renae Dowdy, Michelle Camille Dowdy and Richard Steven Dowdy. His first marriage ended in divorce.

      In his early life his family moved around all over the United States, for his father’s career. He joined the U. S. Navy at the age of 18, and served aboard an Assault Craft, Unit 1 Ship, during the Vietnam War. It was a naval landing craft for transport of land assault vehicles and weaponry. He was honorably discharged after his mother’s passing, to come home and take care of his six sisters until they became of legal age.

      Steve was a musician, played in bands and had his own business for a few years as a DJ, doing Karaoke in the entertainment industry.

Most of his career was as a diesel mechanic for heavy machinery, such as large cranes, large trucks, bulldozers and other heavy equipment. He loved to talk and reminisce about his navy buddies and the trials they went through in the military during the Vietnam War.

      He was devoted to his family, and accepted pretty much anyone he met, provided they show respect. He was good hearted and liked to gamble a bit. He was lucky at times that paid off in his “investments” in the games of chance.  

      He met his second wife, Rita F. Gordon (Boyd), in 2001 and they were married on June 28, 2002 in Grand Junction, Colorado. From this marriage he inherited two step-children: David E. Gordon (Grand Junction) and Shawndra M. Diller (Broken Arrow, Oklahoma), three step-grandchildren and one great-granddaughter, (little Everly).

      Steve accepted and loved all his children, stepchildren and grandchildren as his own. And they all loved and accepted him as well.

     Steve is survived by his wife, Rita Dowdy. Daughters’; Melissa Dowdy, Michelle Dowdy, and son Richard Dowdy; his six sisters: Deborah, Sue, Sheryl, Sandy, Linda and Phyllis; his two step-children, David and Shawndra. Between the two they had 11 grand-children and 4 great-grandchildren. The all survive him. He is predeceased by his parents and one son, Paul Sherman Dowdy.   

      A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at the Clifton Christian Church 3241 F-1/4 Road, Clifton, Colorado 81520. 970-434-7392,(in the gymnasium at the church) at 2 P.M. on Saturday, June 20th, 2020. Due to the Covid-19, it is asked that those, whom could, wear a mask and practice personal distance as much as possible.

     Steve will be missed because of his laughter, sense of humor and dedication to all his family and friends. He loved one and all.

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