Carl Lewis Dowdell, age 89, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025, at Prairie House Assisted Living in Broken Arrow OK, surrounded by love. He was born on January 18, 1936, in Hext, Oklahoma, on his family's homestead, the place where his roots and values were formed.

Carl grew up attending public schools in Sayre, Oklahoma, and later in Placerville, California. He was the devoted son of Ben and Alice Dowdell and the devoted brother to Jorja (Dowdell) Ezzell and his brother-in-law Don Ezzell (deceased). He maintained a special bond with his niece, Ronda Woodfin of Broken Arrow and nephew Rodney Ezzell (deceased) of Tulsa.

Carl married twice in his lifetime. His first marriage was to Doris June (Stone) Knott (deceased). Later, he found lasting love with his second wife, Mary Annette "Ann" Dowdell, who remained by his side at the time of his passing.

Carl was a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He leaves behind a large and loving family:

Children:
Jim Paul Brown of Edmond, OK, and his wife Cyndi.
Grandchildren with Kay Brown: Carli Godwin of Oklahoma City, OK, and Kelby Brown of Edmond, OK.
Bradley Lewis Dowdell of Broken Arrow, OK, and his wife Crystal.
Grandchildren: Ben Dowdell and his wife Kim of Houston, TX, and their son Theodore (Carl's great-grandson), and Dr. Katherine Dowdell and her husband Dr. John Ostrominski of Boston, MA.
Johnny Lee Dowdell of Pfafftown, NC and his wife Rachel.
Grandchildren: Carl Dowdell and Audrey Dowdell, both of North Carolina.
Jean Anne Magness, Stepdaughter, of Powell, OH and her husband Greg.
Step-granddaughters: Fallon Magness and Savannah Magness both of San Diego, CA; and Kendall Magness of Washington, DC.

Carl worked hard throughout his life and took pride in every job he held. He began his career with Texaco Oil Company in western Oklahoma as part of a seismograph crew, later worked for Midas Muffler in Tulsa, and in 1966 began what would become a lifelong career with the United States Postal Service. Carl served faithfully with honors for 33 years before retiring.

Retirement did not slow him down. Carl and Ann gave back to their community by volunteering at St. John Hospital, Meals on Wheels, and the Tulsa Food Bank. Together, they also enjoyed the freedom of retirement by traveling with their 5th-wheel RV, exploring the country and visiting family.

Carl lived a life full of hobbies, friendships, and joy. He enjoyed cars, golf, playing pool, and square dancing. He supported every pursuit his children took on-coaching, cheering, and serving on the youth football Quarterback Club. He especially loved traveling to see his loved ones, including cherished trips to Alaska, Texas, North Carolina, and Colorado to visit his sons, stepdaughter and other family.

Above all, Carl was a lifelong, passionate fan of University of Oklahoma athletics-particularly football and women's softball. He never missed a chance to cheer for the Sooners.

Carl will be remembered for his kindness, steady presence, sense of humor, dedication to family, and unwavering loyalty-to his loved ones, to his work, and to his beloved OU Sooners.

His legacy lives on in the many people who loved him and the countless memories he created over 89 well-lived years.

Viewing for Carl will be on Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 5:00 PM till 8:00 PM with family present for visitation from 5:00 PM till 7:00 PM.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Moore's Southlawn Chapel with interment to follow the service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, Oklahoma.