Lester "Bruce" Dowell

Lester “Bruce” Dowell, 85, of the Kansas City Northland, entered his heavenly home on June 26, 2025. Oh, how sweet to know he now resides with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, to whom he gave his life as a young adult and in whom he took confidence in until its end.

Bruce was born at home in Chillicothe, Missouri, on September 4, 1939, the youngest boy and the seventh of eight children. He loved spending time with his siblings and sharing memories of their shenanigans! Losing his father long before a boy should, Bruce and his siblings, along with their hardworking mama, were all very close.

His story of making a routine grocery run for his mom, only to come home as a newly enlisted airman in the U.S. Air Force at the age of seventeen, alludes to his spontaneous and adventurous spirit. Though he didn’t enjoy school — or excel in it! — he had a tenacious work ethic and never shied away from an honest day’s work. After one of those days, dirty from work, he and a buddy were grabbing dinner at the local diner. One thing led to another, and he found himself on a blind double date. Betty had left her hair up in curlers that evening and reluctantly agreed to briefly meet her friend and the two guys for a Coke! The next night, Bruce arrived at her door dressed in a suit and holding a bouquet of flowers. Bruce and Betty were married six months later on June 4, 1960, in the Kansas City home of a family friend. They were blessed to spend 65 cherished years together.

Bruce was an incredibly proud papa to their son, Greg, and overjoyed to announce the arrival of a long-awaited daughter, Leslie, 17 years later! From his first job as a teenager stocking groceries in Chillicothe to his faithful 22 years at Kenworth Truck in Kansas City and his eventual retirement in 2003 from American Airlines, he worked hard to provide abundantly for his family, making many lifelong friends along the way.

He avidly supported his children and grandchildren. He especially loved watching all the boys play little league baseball and could be heard cheering from many a sideline, “Ducks on the pond!” or “Give it a ride!” He generously offered his time and talent to his adult children and many neighbors by mowing any and all yards that needed it. He loved riding his John Deere and blessing others in the process. He puttered around the golf course, played in the water and the weeds at the “lake lot”, and often danced in the kitchen or the coffee shop with his bride. Surprisingly, he also loved to play Scrabble and never missed the opportunity to suggest a quick game (or two!). Bruce and Betty enjoyed traveling together and explored each of the 50 states, taking every opportunity to see friends and family along the way. He joined others in fellowship and worship of our Lord at Avondale Baptist Church (now Solid Rock Bible). He desired that others would experience the joy of following Jesus and reflected God’s father-heart through his kindness and gentle strength.

Bruce was loved by so many and will be deeply missed by his wife of 65 years, Betty Prewitt Dowell; his son, Gregory Bruce Dowell of Kansas City; and his daughter, Leslie Suzanne McCleary (Josh) of Eudora, Kansas. He is also survived by five grandchildren — Ryan (Kelsey) and Jacob (Allyse) Dowell, Ella, Max, and Halle McCleary — and great-granddaughter, Harper Beth Dowell; his brother and sister-in-law, James and Lora Dowell of Chillicothe, Missouri; and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Nathaniel and Nola Brown Dowell; his sisters, Pauline, Barbara, and Bessie; and his brothers, Donald, Larry, and Nat.

A 10am visitation and 11am funeral service will be held on Saturday, July 5, 2025 at Solid Rock Bible Church, 2501 NE Parvin Rd., Kansas City, MO 64116 followed by burial at Terrace Park Cemetery, 801 NW 108th St., Kansas City, MO 64155.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bruce’s name to Solid Rock Bible Church.