Charles Dowdy

Charles Franklin Dowdy, 93, of Cole Camp, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, August 6, 2014 at Bothwell Regional Health Center, Sedalia. He was born on March 28, 1921, a son of John Elvis and Beulah Mary Ann (Russell) Dowdy.

On September 8, 1939 he was united in marriage to Mildred Parker, who survives of Spring, Texas. Then On January 18, 1971 in Vanita, Oklahoma, he was united in marriage to Barbara Aldridge, who survives of the home.

Charles, or “Charley” as he was commonly known by to his family and friends, was a devoted rancher and horseman. He was one of the founders of the Missouri Quarter Horse Association. He is in the MO Quarter Horse Association Hall of Fame and was the first president of the organization. Charles was also an American Quarter Horse Association judge for many, many years. As a judge, he started the hugely popular, freestyle reining competition. He was a member of High Street Baptist Church in Springfield, Missouri.

He is also survived by four children, Charla (Dowdy) Myers Parker and her husband Mark Myers of California, Tom Dowdy and his wife Linda of Texas, Curtis Dowdy of California, and Barbara Jean Saltsgaver and her husband Bruce of Cole Camp, MO; He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Jake, Justin, Tyler, Elizabeth, Debra, DeeAnn, Dara, David, Chris, and Charles; and ten great grandchildren.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Virginia Smith; and three brothers, Paul Dowdy, James Dowdy, and Leonard Dowdy.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 11, 2014 at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia, with Rev. Ed Broyles officiating.

Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Sedalia, immediately following the service.

The family will receive friends and relatives for a visitation at Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia, one hour prior to the service.

Honorary bearers will be Bill Ketner, J.D. Gregory, Al Kindle, Larry Drenon, Chris Dowdy, and Jake Saltsgaver.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Searchers 4H Club Horse Group in care of Rea Funeral Chapel, Sedalia.