McDowell

Harold George McDowell, 99½, of Slippery Rock Township, peacefully passed Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburgh, from congestive heart failure.

Born April 23, 1925, at his Grove City home before the doctor arrived, he was the youngest child of Frank Henry and Gertrude Maude (Lindsay) McDowell; brother of Norman Fillman (Ada Mae Duncan), James Lindsay (Alice E. Conner) and Frances Caroline (Robert E. Steese); and husband of Mary Elizabeth “Teddy” Richardson. He was father of Carolyn Ruth McCandless (Eugene), Susan Ledebur (Dennis) and George Forrest McDowell (Zoe); and Pap to his nine grandchildren, Scott, Greg, Joel, Anneliese, Daniel, Jeffrey, Kurt, Forrest and Gus, 11 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.

Harold attended a one-room schoolhouse in Pine Township. He graduated from Grove City High School in 1942, where he was active in band and choir. He wrestled in the 102-pound weight class his senior year.

Harold met “Teddy” at church; she was a beautician by trade. They married on Oct. 30, 1946, and left Grove City with less than $200 in pocket to travel to Texas for a two-week honeymoon. His wife of 60 years died in 2007. Their relationship resonated with their strong Christian values as evident in their marriage, family and throughout their involvement in the church and community.

Besides being a lifetime farmer who raised dairy cattle and beefalo, he drove truck for George Howe Co. and Wilson & Co. He worked full time in industrial management for Westrac/Mercer Forge, Kennametal, A.L. Williams, Kimes Chevrolet and McGowan Real Estate. He became the Slippery Rock Township assessor in 1984, retiring at age 88 as zoning officer. He built his present home with timber from his farm, each room a different wood.

Harold was a lifelong member of Center Presbyterian Church, Grove City, where he served as elder, clerk of session, trustee, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir. It became an anticipated tradition of 45-plus years to solo sing “The Holy City” each Easter and “O Holy Night” on Christmas Eve.

Harold was a seventh-degree member with over 80 years in London Grange 1492, active member for over 30 years of Rotary Club of Slippery Rock, and received the award, “Barbershopper of the Year 2015,” as he enjoyed singing baritone in the Olde Town Harmony Barbershop Chorus.

Harold enjoyed sports. He was a member of Slippery Rock Bowling League, manager of Kennametal softball team, and participated as a pitcher in the church softball league until he was 70. He was an enthusiastic armchair coach of the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers.

Harold was an avid hunter, rifle and archery, taking several trips to Western states, and he shared his love of hunting and outdoors with younger family members. He shot his first turkey gobbler at age 90. He loved beagles, especially his last pet, Penny, of 13 years.

Harold was particularly known for his quick wit and sense of humor. When he led music at church, he often shared a “sermon in a minute,” always ready with a joke or story. He was kind, faithful and wise. Most of all, he would want to be remembered as a man of God.

MCDOWELL — Visitation for Harold George McDowell, who died Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, will held from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME, 306 Bessemer Ave., Grove City.

There will be additional visitation from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at EPC Center Church, 333 Center Church Road, Grove City. Funeral services will be officiated by the Rev. James Cossin. Burial will be at Slippery Rock Cemetery.

Donations may be made to EPC Center Church, 333 Center Church Road, Grove City, PA 16127, in memory of Harold.

Online condolences may be sent at cunninghamfhgc.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.