John Douglas Dowdey

Col. John Douglas Dowdey, Jr. (USAF RET), age 89, of Newton, Alabama, passed away on April 14, 2026. He was born on July 6, 1936, in Fort Payne, Alabama, and lived a long and meaningful life marked by devotion to God and his family, service to his country, and a genuine appreciation for the many places and people that filled his years.

John was the beloved husband of Beverly Dowdey for 71 years, and their marriage stood as a lasting example of love, loyalty, and partnership. The two met in Florida, a meeting that began a lifelong journey together. After joining the military, John and Beverly moved wherever duty called, building a life together through years of change, travel, and shared experience. Through every season, their bond remained strong, and their family was always at the center of his heart.

He was a proud father to Donna Cantu and her husband, Hector Cantu Jr., who preceded him in death, and Doug Dowdey and his wife, Mina. He was also preceded in death by his son, Jimmy Dowdey. John treasured his role as a grandfather and was deeply proud of his grandchildren, Gabriel Dowdey and Roxy, John Dowdey III and Brandy, Nathan Cantu and Abby, and Eliza Ann. He also leaves behind six great-grandchildren whose lives were touched by his steady presence, warm spirit, and enduring love. He was preceded in death by his brother, Rick Dowdey.

John served his country honorably in the United States Air Force for 31 years, a career that reflected his discipline, commitment, and sense of duty. His military service took him to many places and gave him experiences that shaped the man he became. He embraced the opportunities and challenges of military life with strength and resilience, and he carried the values of service and responsibility with him long after retirement. Following his military career, he owned and operated a computer store in PA, where he applied his knowledge, determination, and work ethic in a new chapter of life.

John enjoyed a full and active life, and he found joy in both simple pleasures and meaningful pursuits. He served the Lord faithfully and was a choir director at church. He loved golf and tennis, and he appreciated the spirit of adventure that came with “places to go, people to see, things to do.” He enjoyed boating and embraced activities that kept him moving and connected to the world around him. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family, and those moments brought him his greatest happiness.

Those who knew John will remember him as a man of quiet strength, warmth, and steady character. He lived with purpose, cared deeply for those he loved, and left behind a legacy of service, devotion, and treasured memories. His life was one of movement, accomplishment, and lasting relationships, and he will be remembered with love and gratitude by all who were blessed to know him.

John Douglas Dowdey, Jr. will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home. The family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will follow in Sunset Memorial Park.