Donald "Don" H. McDowell

Donald “Don” Herbert McDowell, age 89 of Mattoon, IL passed away Thursday, June 6,2024 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL. A funeral service in his honor will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938; Reverend Ron Dickinson will officiate. A committal service will immediately follow in Dodge Grove Cemetery. The visitation will be held Wednesday evening, June 12, 2024, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Don was born on February 4, 1935, in Mattoon, IL to the late Ray A. and Mabel F. (Reagan) McDowell. He married the love of his life, Mildred “Midge” A. Tinsman on April 11,1954; she preceded him death on July 23, 2016. He is survived by two daughters, Sheri Rodebaugh and husband Mike of Toledo, IL, Marlisse McDowell of Toledo, IL; one granddaughter, Kirsten Hurst and husband Joel Rodely of Nampa, ID; two step-grandsons, T.J. Rodebaugh and wife Jen of Alexandria, VA, Jeremy Rodebaugh and wife Abigail of Tuscola, IL; four step-grandchildren Grace and Alex Rodebaugh of Mahomet, IL; Payton and Leia Rodebaugh of Tuscola, IL. He is preceded in death by four brothers: James, Wayne, Lyle, Bob McDowell; two sisters, Marge Ganley, Dort Easter; and one foster son, Steve Rogers. Mr. McDowell served as the Director of Camp New Hope for twenty-six years. Along with his beloved wife, Midge, Don was instrumental in the success of the camp and dedicated his life to the happiness and well-being of the developmentally disabled. He was actively and passionately involved with Special Olympics Family Festival, served as President of Parent Group, and CCAR Board of Directors. He retired from Mattoon Community School District #2 after forty years of dedicated service as a school bus driver and was previously employed by Coca-Cola for twenty-six years. He held memberships at Mattoon Eagles Lodge, Sons of the American Legion, and International Order of Odd Fellows. Don was a true gentleman with a smile that lit up the room. He was kind-hearted, thoughtful, and genuine. He loved his family dearly and he was deeply loved by many. He leaves behind an everlasting legacy of being a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. The family would like to thank the staff on the third floor at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center for all the special care and love that made Don’s final days amazing. Memorials in his honor may be made to Camp New Hope, 1364 County Rd 100 E, Neoga, IL 62447. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Donald "Don" H. McDowell

February 4, 1935 - June 6, 2024