June 8, 1915 - Dec. 23, 2014
MCCOOK, Neb. -- Russell L. Dowling, age 99, of McCook, died at the Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook on Dec. 23, 2014.
He was born in McCook on June 8, 1915, to Leslie and Ethel (Andrews) Dowling. He attended School in McCook, graduating from McCook High School in 1935.
At age 10, Russell took his little red wagon and sold garden produce to the neighbors. While in school, he worked for Montgomery Wards, the Fox Theatre and Pastime Park and also delivered Western Union delivering telegrams. In 1935, Russell bought a truck and started his own company, "Zip Delivery," that helped people during the flood. He also owned a filling station. In 1936, he was united in marriage to Fern Cassell in Oberlin, Kansas. To this union three children were born: Sharon, Carrol and Roger.
In 1937, Russell was hired by the Burlington Railroad as a brakeman. In 1970, he became a conductor on the Amtrak until he retired in 1983. Russell was a member of First Congregational Church of McCook; past President of the Brotherhood of Railroad Trainmen Lodge; Midget Baseball League; High Plains Museum Board; Civil Air Patrol; active as a state director and national delegate of the AARP; McCook High School Wall of Fame; board member of the humane society, Medicare Advisory Board and was active in many other civic groups.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Fern, on Oct. 17, 2014; and sister, Lana Lois and husband, Ralph Brenning.
He is survived by his two daughters, Sharon and husband, Jerry Felker of McCook; Carrol and husband, Warren Barnell of Lincoln, Nebraska; son, Roger and wife, Maureen of Sequim, Washington; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and half-brother, Terry and wife, Phyllis Dowling of North Platte.
Funeral services will be at First Congregational Church of McCook on Saturday, Dec. 27, 2014, at 2 p.m. with Pastor Steve Bales officiating. Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may leave on-line condolences at herrmannfh.com.
Visitation will be Friday, Dec. 26, 2014, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.