Jerry Morton McDowell went to his heavenly father Tuesday, May 9, 2006.

He was born March 22, 1935, to William "Paul" McDowell and Blanche Irene Morton McDowell of Fruitland.

His wife of 50 years, Ina JoAnn Hanners McDowell, and two sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen Wayne McDowell and wife Kim, and Terry William McDowell and wife Kim Kurka McDowell, survive him.

Jerry has three grandchildren, Stacy Nicole Chicora and husband Jason Chicora, Kasey and T.J. Hecht; and a great-grandchild, Amaris Jade Chicora.

He is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law, Harold and Vicky McDowell of Jackson; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Virginia Lee Gremore of Sikeston, Mo., Phyllis Williams of Texas, Marilyn Bollinger and husband Harold of Jackson; a sister-in-law, Mabel Skinner of Jackson; a brother-in-law, Roy Davault of Cape Girardeau; uncle and aunt, Alan and Lorene McDowell of Fruitland; and nine nieces and nephews.

His parents and a sister, Pauline M. Davault, preceded him in death.

He graduated from Jackson High School. He worked for the city of Jackson as an electrical lineman for 15 years. He then worked for AmerenUE for 27 years as an electrical lineman and foreman, retiring May 31, 1994.

Jerry was an avid horseman, a hobby and passion that he shared with his wife for more than 30 years. He was a member of the Jackson Trail Riders and The Ever Ready Riders from Marble Hill, Mo., a group of friends that rode every Thursday in every kind of weather.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.

Friends may call at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home in Jackson from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, and Friday at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church in Fruitland from 9 a.m. to service time.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Grant F.C. Gillard officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be nephews Lloyd Burns, Vaughn and Reagan McDowell, Joe Don Skinner, and family friends, Craig Floyd and Chris Stoffregen.

Memorials may be made to Myelodysplastic Syndrome Foundation or First Presbyterian Church in Jackson.