Kenneth ''Gene'' Dowler, 85, of Greenville, Ohio passed away on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the State of the Heart Care Center in Greenville.
He was born on December 5, 1933 in Dayton, Ohio to the late Kenneth and Laura (Ward) Dowler. In addition to his parents, Gene was preceded in death by his son, Patrick Dowler, and his siblings, Gary Dowler and Charlotte Doughty.
Gene was a lifetime farmer. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Later in life, Gene and his wife owned Still Meadow Farms in New Madison. He loved watching the meadows and wildlife on their farm. Gene’s friends loved his kindness and gentleness that he had with his dogs and farm animals. Along with farming, Gene spent 30 years working for General Motors in Dayton, until he retired in 1996.
He loved 4-H and enjoyed helping his children and grandchildren with their projects. Each year, Gene looked forward to spending every day at the Great Darke County Fair. Gene was a proud member of the Dayton Buckeye Model A Club, Greenville Masonic Lodge #143, ancient accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Dayton, where he was a 32nd degree Mason.
Gene is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan (Hunt) Dowler of Greenville; his children, Julie (Gary Smith) Roe of Greenville, Kevin Dowler of New Paris, and Lisa (Andrew) Johnson of New Madison; his grandchildren, Michael Dowler, Taylor Roe, Katelyn Johnson, Jenna Dowler, Brady (Amanda) Dowler, Sierra Dowler, Kendrick Wahsum, Amy Nisonger, Shannon Miller, Brittany Blackburn, Myriah Carroll, and Dakota Collins; his great-grandson, Eli Goodwin; his sister, Lois Hill of Coldwater MI; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Gene’s life will take place on Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 10:30 with Rev. Terry Haworth officiating at Tribute Funeral Homes, Greenville Campus. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery in Fort Jefferson.
Gene’s family and friends may visit from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, December 17, 2018 and from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Tuesday at the funeral home. A Masonic Memorial Service will take place at 6:45 PM on Monday.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial contributions be made to State of Heart Care, 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville, Ohio 45331.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.tributefuneralhomes.com
