Leroy McDowell

Graveside services to celebrate the life of Leroy McDowell, 84, of Davenport, will be 12:30 p.m. August 25, 2021. The family will greet friends from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Aug. 25,

2021 at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, downtown Davenport. Memorials may be made to the family.

Leroy died Sunday, August 15, 2021 at Heartland Health Care Center, Moline.

Leroy was born on December 7, 1937 in Greenville, Alabama, youngest son of Lorenza and Leola (Ray) McDowell.  He proudly served our country in the Army from 1956 – 1958.  Leroy was united in marriage to Eva Grace McQuay on June 18, 1957 in Davenport.  They have shared over 64 years of marriage.

Leroy worked at the Rock Island Arsenal for over 30 years as an Industrial Planning Engineer as well as providing services as an Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor. He was a member of the Congress of Racial Equality (C.O.R.E.)

Leroy loved baseball, particularly the Atlanta Braves, and would take his family on vacations to see them play.  He was very devoted to coaching little league for many seasons. He enjoyed fixing cars, umpiring and playing softball, fishing, deer hunting, playing poker and bowling in many leagues through the years. He loved BB. King and dancing to all music. You could often find him sitting on the porch visiting with friends and family.

Survivors include his loving wife, Eva, Davenport; children: Ronald (Tina) McDowell, East Moline, Charles McDowell, Atlanta, Georgia, Cherie McDowell, Cedar Rapids, Randy McDowell, Anita McDowell, both of Davenport; 24 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren; a sister, Lola Thomas, Birmingham, Alabama, many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers: Lemon McDowell and Leon “Tony” McDowell; grandchildren: Rondell McDowell, Tiffany Banks, Judge Hare, Shaniia McDowell, and Zoey Starks.