Lloyd McDowell

Lloyd Dean McDowell “Bunion” of Melrose, Iowa passed away in Des Moines, Iowa on March 18, 2025. Lloyd was born December 9, 1933, in Batavia, Iowa, to James and Irene (Thompson) McDowell. Lloyd graduated from Melrose High School in 1952 and started work on the CBQ railroad in the fall of 1953.

In school Lloyd was on the basketball team and fell for a cheerleader, Mary Pauline Hannam. Lloyd married Mary Pauline February 27, 1954.They were blessed with two children, Paula Marie (1963) and Dean Edward (1967). They shared 35 years of marriage and enjoyed fishing together. Mary Pauline passed away on January 5th, 1990.

Lloyd married Deanie Walsh on December 1, 1994. They spent their retirement years enjoying their lake home on Rathbun Lake, bird watching together, playing cards with friends, and hosting gatherings. Family and friends knew there were two tables for the holidays. Boys and girls. Butter or Margarine. If you were stopping to visit Lloyd and Deanie, you knew there were always fresh baked treats to go with a hot cup of coffee. After sharing 27 years together, Deanie passed away October 2, 2022.

Lloyd was a very kindhearted man, always ready to lend a hand. He took pride in sharing his hard work, from produce from the garden, homemade bread or his homemade noodles to name a few. Lloyd was always ready to go fishing. If he didn't have a stringer, they just went in his pocket.

Lloyd is survived by one brother, Bill (Dolores) McDowell of Cottage Grove, Minnesota. He is also survived by his grandchildren Nycole (Justin) Wood and Michael Devore, great-grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Lloyd was preceded in death by his wives; Mary Pauline and Deanie, and his children Dean and Paula.

He is also preceded by his brothers; Floyd, Ronald, Larry; his sister Clara, as well as his parents, Jim and Irene McDowell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Melrose with Father Ron Hodges officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until service time at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow services in Mt Calvary Cemetery in Melrose. Memorials may be directed to Marion County Pheasants Forever in Lloyd's name.