Grover Michael Dowell, 66, of Fremont, OH passed away Thursday, September 14, 2017. Although a less than average life span, Grover did not live an average life. He wanted it known that he died as a result of being stubborn, living life on his own terms and raising hell for more than six decades. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding his Harley, guns, cooking and socializing with his friends in the barn until the day he died.
He was born on July 17, 1951 in Westville, OK, the son of Chester Leroy and Margaret Mary (Vranish) Dowell. He was in the first class to attend Vanguard Vocational school and graduated from Fremont Ross High School in 1969. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. to honor his Father’s service. Grover served during the Vietnam War from August 19, 1969 to August 18, 1972 and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Good Conduct Medal and Marksman Riffle Badge.
Upon his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, Grover attended Bowling Green State University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in education. He began his teaching career at Genoa High School and retired from Vanguard Vocational School in 2005. He served as a football and wrestling coach at Genoa and a wrestling coach at Fremont Ross High School. His 30+ years as a teacher and coach afforded 100’s of young men and women and their parent’s exposure to Grover’s unique personality.
Grover was a Life member and Past Commander of the Fremont VFW Post #2947 and Past District 9 Commander. He was a member of the Fremont Outing Club, AMVETS, President of the BCMC and member of the Order of Owls???
Grover is survived by his “saintly” wife of forty-three years, Jacquelyn “Jackie” Dowell (Feasel), Fremont, OH; son, Matthew Dowell, Fremont, OH; daughter, Emily (Jeff) Haydon, Chicago, IL; sibling, Dinah Dowell (Joseph Meinike), Prospect Heights, IL; granddaughter, Kennedy Haydon – his reason for fighting so hard for so long. And of course, his favorite dog Mack.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Leslie Dowell.
A Celebration of Grover’s Life will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017, from 2 – 6 pm, at VFW Post #2947, 204 Birchard Ave, Fremont, OH. A military service will begin promptly at 2pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VFW Post #2947 in his name. A fund has been established to support young wrestlers who cannot afford to pay to play.
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Beth (Wolfe) Wahlers
Jackie, I was so saddened to hear of his passing. My dad just loved Grover & time spent with him & Vogey during wrestling season. I’ve been praying upon hearing this news, for God to comfort you, keep lifting you up in spirit & take care of you in years to come without your beloved husband. Many hugs to & your family,
Gary Jackson
I grew up with Mike and his family and think of them often. I was older than Mike and friends with his brother Les. Mike was from a great and caring family, I wish them my condolence.
Sincerely
Gary Jackson
Richard Riehl
great man and great commander
Gary & Mary Jeanette
Our sincere sympathy to Grover’s family and friends. Gary and Mary Jeanette
Christopher Lollini
Jackie, Emily and Matthew,
It has been since about 1996 since I left Vanguard Vocational Center and the Fremont Little Giant’s Wrestling program to pursue another path in life. I’ve not done a good job keeping in touch with many back in Ohio, and I want you to know sad I am to learn that Grover has passed, and how fortunate I feel to have had the opportunity to spend so much time with Grover through teaching and coaching.
It should come as no surprise to you to know that over the years, I’ve recognized that Grover had a significant influence in my life. Through Grover I learned that stubborness, honesty and a good heart will win over all but the most dogmatic people, and I will cherish the many unpublishable life lessons discussed, learned and lived out while coaching as one of his assistants.
Above all, I know that Grover loved his family and wanted the best for them.
Your family is in my prayers. If there is anything I can do, just ask.
Best Regards,
Christopher Lollini (aka. Coach Little Weenie) Livermore, CA
Associated Buyers Inc
Family of Grover Dowell
May loving memories bring comfort to you in this time of sadness.
With Deepest Sympathy
Associated Buyers Employees and Their Families
Edward, Sandra and Donald L. Schultz
Thomas Stanley
My condolences to you and your family. I taught with Grover at Genoa H.S. ,he bought my old red Ford pick up truck in the 80’s. He was a good man.
Tim Honaker
Grover was a great guy! Glad to have know him. My cooking crew (Outing Club) will never be the same. I enjoyed our talks at the club. Semper Fi Marine!!
Mark Miller
Grover is still hard to say since I always called you Mr. Dowell. Thank you for faithfully serving our country as a Marine in one of the most difficult times in our nations history to be in the military. Thank you for your influence on so many young men and women as a teacher and coach. I am personally grateful for your passionate commitment. Thank you for pushing me to become the best I could be in school, football, wrestling and life. Your influence on my life was far greater than you realized and I am who I am today in part because of you. You will be missed. Genoa class of 1987
Mark Vogelpohl
I was a freshman during Grover’s first year at Genoa. We bumped heads early on, but he soon was one of my favorites. My condolences go to his family. He was a good man.
Russ Bodi
I was the junior high wrestling coach at Genoa. He coached high school. l remember going to restaurants with him and watching him light the place up. I am grateful to have know this larger than life guy. Whoever met him will never forget him!
Karl Borko
Good ol’ Groover M. “Do Well”…taught me drafting in high school and was one of the teachers that made me want to be an educator……20 years after the fact. Thanks Mr. Dowell, they have never made em’ like you sir.
Sue Cherry
Jackie, Matt, Emily and entire family. The Cherry Family was saddened to hear of Grover’s passing. We were blessed to have known him and sure enjoyed spending time with him at all of the wrestling meets. His sense of gumor, personality and smile lightened up a room. God bless you all. Our prayers are with you.
Tracie Guhn
Jackie and family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time it has been so many years but way back we had some good times all together Grover was a great fun guy. Redeye and him can have a beer again and talk about the old times. Sharon Neason and Family
Sue & Dick Witte
Jackie, we are so sorry to hear of Grover’s passing. We just saw his obit in the Blade.Grover was a very good friend who would do anything to help anyone.
May God wrap you and your family in his loving arms, and give you the strength to get through this.
Our most sincerest sympathies.
Sue & Dick
Tim Feckley
I am deeply sorry for your loss,Grover was my favorite teacher. I was one of his first students a Genoa,I still laugh when I think about the night coach hallet,Grover and I went frog gigging we didn’t have a clue what we were doing.RIP Grover
Melissa Meyers
Rest easy Mr.Dowell! You were surely an inspiration of strength and kindness to me! Being the only female in a class of all young men was not easy! He was my protector and voice that year 1986. He was the best educator I had ever had! Thank you “Grover” for being an inspiration in my life! Melissa Meyers Genoa class of 1987.
Silvia Schueren
To the family of Mr. Dowell,
My deepest condolences to each of you. I was saddened to hear of Mr. Dowell’s passing. I attended Genoa High School. Mr. Dowell was the kindest and nicest person. Years later I ran into him in Fremont, as I now live in Fremont. I stopped him to talk to him, he hadn’t changed still was nicest and kindest person. I pray that you find peace and comfort in knowing that many are praying for you at this most difficult time.
My sincere sympathy.
Silvia (Lopez) Schueren
LaVonne Wandschneider
The sun has set on a journey well traveled. May the memories comfort you during this very saddest of times. With our deepest heartfelt sympathy, Scotty and LaVonne Wandschneider
Belva Kallenbach
Our prayers and sympathy to you Jackie and family.
Love, Belva and Gerry Kallenbach
Sue Wolf
Jackie, Matt, and Emily, So sorry for your lost, what a great guy, he will
be missed.
Willard Easley
Was only made aware of this today. I served with Grover in Vietnam and later in Camp Geiger, S.C. He made it a point to tell everyone his last name was “Do-Well.” Hope I haven’t confused him with another Marine, but I recall he collected beer steins and on my last night in the Corps, he honored me by letting me use one of his most treasured steins to pour a farewell toast. A great and wonderful friend and a Marine – no greater accolades than those. Semper Fi, Grover. Till Valhalla. Sgt Willard “EASE” Easley
David Ekardt
I just found this obituary yesterday and passed it on to the guys in our old Marine unit who knew Grover. I was with him at LZ Baldy and Danang in Vietnam and also at Kaneohe Hawaii. He was a great guy and good friend. I talked with him several years ago when I was rounding up guys for our reunions and unfortunately he couldn’t make it. I was hoping to get in touch with him again for our next reunion and was startled to see that he passed. He will be missed by us RIP and Semper Fi brother Marine.