William Albert Dowden

“I thank the Lord for the wonderful lives that have intersected with mine over the years.”

On Friday, October 6, 2023, William Albert Dowden, loving husband and father of four children, passed away at the age of 91. Bill was born on January 28, 1932 in Bloomfield to Charles and Freeda (Swango) Dowden. He graduated from Bloomfield High School in 1949 and moved to Indianapolis where he resided for the next 62 years. Bill married Rowena (George) Dowden on August 31, 1957 and recently celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Bill served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean War. He and his brother Bob, a fellow Marine, spent many years running Dowden and Company Livestock Agency. After the closing of the Indianapolis Stockyards, Bill finished off his career with Golden Rule Insurance Company as a Public Policy Specialist. Bill and Rowena retired to Maineville, Ohio in 2011.

A graduate of Butler University, Bill was a fan of the Bulldogs and enjoyed taking his children to the Hinkle Fieldhouse. Bill and his sons were involved in the Fall Creek Little League and the Boy Scouts of America. Bill served as the 4th District Councilman for 32 years on the Indianapolis-Marion County City-Council. He was an active member of E. 49th Street Christian Church/E. 91st Street Christian Church and a 33° Scottish Rite Mason. After moving to Maineville, Bill again got involved in his community with the Warren County Republicans and Mason Christian Village.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and one sister. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rowena; four children whom he loved dearly, Paul Dowden, Nathan (Kim) Dowden, Elizabeth (David) Straley and Andrew (Erika) Dowden; his younger sister, Judy (Jim) Miller; 13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Lester Jenkins and Sons Funeral Home in Bloomfield with calling at the funeral home on Saturday, October 14, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., followed by a 12 p.m. service presided over by Rev. Scott Chastain. A graveside committal will follow immediately after the service.

In lieu of flowers, it was Bill’s suggestion that any memorial tributes be made in the form of charitable donations to Wheeler Mission in Indianapolis or Faith Christian Church in Bloomfield.