STELLA  -  MSgt Earl Freelin McDowell, (USMC Retired), 77, passed away Friday, October 30, 2020 at the Crystal Coast Hospice House.  He was born February 1, 1943 in Benton, TN to the late, Theodore Hyson McDowell and Gladys Virginia Howell.

Memorial services, with military honors, will be held at Coastal Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Mr. McDowell served his country in the USMC and retired at the rank of Master Sergeant.  He loved his Marine Corps family. He served in Vietnam and received three Purple Hearts.  After his retirement, he began employment with Gerber Baby Foods as an auditor.

He was preceded by his siblings, Madia Green, James McDowell, Nancy Bohmer, and Polly Morris.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Phyllis Ann McDowell of the home and their daughter, Lori Price (Jeff) of Raleigh; their grandchildren, Henry and Jason; sister, Flora Gilliland (Ronnie) of Toledo, OH; sister, Susan Lofton, Cleveland, TN; sister, Margaret McGowan, Cleveland, TN; and brother, Johnny Swafford, Cleveland, TN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans at dav.org.