Raymond M. "Sonny" McDowell

Raymond M. “Sonny” McDowell, 73, of North Loup, Nebraska, died Saturday, August 31, 2013, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He was born January 31, 1940, in Kearney, Nebraska, to Raymond Franklin and Elizabeth (Lundgren) McDowell. Ray attended school in Kearney and finished his schooling while serving his Country in the United States Army. Ray was united in marriage to Giselle Viaud on September 3, 1978, in Kearney, Nebraska. He worked hard his entire life in manufacturing plants; namely, Monroe Auto in Cozad, Nebraska, Rockwell Manufacturing in Kearney, Nebraska and was a Laser Technician for a Metal Manufacturing Company in the Dallas, Texas area prior to his retirement. The couple moved to the Dallas, Texas area in the middle 1980’s, returning to Nebraska in 2003, upon his retirement, to North Loup, Nebraska. He enjoyed woodworking and made cherished baby cradles for his grandchildren. He also loved to fish, camp, spend time with his large family and was never at a loss for a good story. He will be very missed. Survivors include his wife; Giselle of North Loup, Nebraska; four daughters from his first marriage; Kay (Mike) Christensen of Kearney, Nebraska; Kelli (Charlie) Burkey of Lexington, Nebraska; Tammy (Bruce) Garcia of Kearney, Nebraska; and, Terri (Dave) Wilder of Elwood, Nebraska; three stepsons; Mark McClellen of Omaha, Nebraska; Jim McClellen of Reno, Nevado; and, David McClellen of Seattle, Washington; two brothers, David (Karen) McDowell of Ravenna, Nebraska; and, Miguel P. McDowell of Puerto Rico; two sisters; Deloris (Melvin) Hiner-Garrelts of Kearney, Nebraska; and, Suzanne (Dennis) Wilson of Cozad, Nebraska; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; two sisters, Betty Patsios and Phyllis Smith; stepdaughter, Linda Elliott; two brothers-in-law, Eddie Hiner and Nick Patsios and one step-son-in-law, Steve Elliott. A Graveside Service will be held Wednesday, September 4, 2013, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington with Suzanne Wilson officiating. There will also be Military Honors graveside. There will be no visitation. Memorials are suggested to the Family. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.