Rodney “Rod” William Dowdy, 66, of Thermopolis, Wyoming, formerly of Eaton, Colorado, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017 at University Hospital in Denver after a short battle with cancer.
Rod is the son of William L Dowdy and Bessie N (Hagans) Dowdy. He was born August 10, 1950, NE of Ft Lupton, CO at the home of his grandparents, Verne and Grace Hagans. Rod started school at the one room Four Way school near Ft Lupton and later in Upton, WY. He attended Weld Central High School upon the family returning to CO. In January 1969, he enlisted in the US Navy, he became a US Navy Seabee electrician. His service included a year stationed at Adak, Alaska and a year in Vietnam with the CBME - 302. In addition, he joined the Navy Reserve Seabees for another 8 years. In 1986, he left the Navy as a Construction Electrician First Class E6. He was extremely proud of his service to our Country and would tell many stories of his experiences. He felt his responsibilities to the people of Vietnam, he sponsored a young Vietnamese refugee in his home for a year.
On February 14, 1972, he married Laura Dean Stevens, to this marriage one son was born, Douglas Dowdy. Rod also took on the responsibility of helping raise his stepson, Conway Stevens. Rod and Laura divorced in 1981, but have remained close friends throughout the years. Rod worked for Bopp Electric of Eaton, CDS Electric of Greeley and retired after 26 years from the University of Northern Colorado. Rod volunteered for the Eaton Fire Protection District for 10 years and the Greeley BMX Parents Association for 3 years. Upon his retirement he moved to Thermopolis, WY to be near his parents and enjoy his retirement. In his youth, he loved living on the ranch in Upton, raising sheep and cattle. He spent time camping with his Grandparents Will and Ada Dowdy at the remote pasture called Four Horse. He loved spending time with his son, Doug and his grandsons, Mitch, Jake and Luke. He enjoyed fishing, shooting and many random projects.
Rod is survived by Mother, Bess Dowdy of Thermopolis, WY. Sons, Doug Dowdy of Eaton, Conway Stevens of Wellington Brothers, Fred Dowdy (Cheryl) of Greeley, CO; Russell Dowdy (Carol) of Thermopolis,WY. Ronald Brown (Carla) of Grass Creek, WY. Sister, Shirley Spuhl (Bill) of Meeteetse, WY Grandchildren: Mitchel L Dowdy, Jakob A Dowdy, Lucas W Dowdy all of Eaton and Danielle M Stevens of Aurora. He was preceded in death by: his Father, William L Dowdy, his brother Lanny L Dowdy and his Grandparents.
Celebration of Life and sharing of memories 1:00 p.m. August 5, 2017 at the Eaton Community Center, Aspen Room, 1675 3rd St, Eaton, CO.
An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.moserfuneralservice.com.