W. E. Dowell

W. E. "Spike" Dowell, 79, of Topeka, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2009 at his home.

He was born September 19, 1929 in Springhill, MO, the son of Ray S. and Beulah A. (Chambers) Dowell. He was a graduate of Chillicothe High School Chillicothe, MO. He served in the United States Navy, Submarine Service, retiring on June 21, 1967.

He was a member of Shawnee Heights Baptist Church, and American Legion Capital Post No. 1, both of Topeka.

Spike married Belle Williams on October 24, 1993 in Miami, OK. Survivors include his wife; his son, Eric K. Dowell and wife, Danielle of Pleasant Hill, MO and their five daughters; his daughters, Linda Kleeman and husband, Frank of Walworth, NY and their son; Barbara Bell and husband, Ray of Thornton, CO and their daughter; his sisters, Donna Blecher and husband, Bob of York, PA, and Carolyn Cook and husband, Tom of Chillicothe, MO; his step-daughter, Mickey Brewer of Topeka; his step-sons, Lee Wigington (Pam) of San Bernardino, CA and Jim Wigington (Wanda) of Dallas, OR; six step-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; a special niece, Donna Douglas (Rob); four nephews, a great-niece and seven great-nephews.

Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, May 20, 2009 at the Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka. Interment with military honor will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery, Topeka. Mr. Dowell will lie in state after 3 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 6 to 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, 4125 SW Gage Center Dr., Topeka, KS 66604 or to the Topeka Rescue Mission, 600 N. Kansas, Topeka, KS 66608.