John Joseph Dowdy was born March 8, 1931, to Frank Wiley and Hester Mae Dowdy in Iron Post. He departed this life June 17, 2014, at the age of 83 years, three months, and nine days. He graduated from Bristow High School in 1949. On May 20, 1949, John Joseph Dowdy and Norma Jean Sullivan were united in marriage. From this union were born two sons, Alan and Mark. He decided to enroll in college where he received his first degree from Gulf Coast Bible College in 1962. He then attended Bethany Nazarene College graduating in 1969. While he was attending college, he was a pastor in Waynoka. He retired as a minister to pursue a teaching degree. He attended Central State University receiving his Masters of Education in 1971. He took his first teaching job at Crooked Oak School near Oklahoma City from 1970 to 1972. He then moved back to the Bristow area teaching from 1974 until his retirement in 1993. He was a faithful member of the Bristow First Church of God. He had many hobbies including, hunting, fishing, raising pigs and cattle, gardening, bee keeping, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife Norma Jean Dowdy of Oklahoma City; two sons, Alan Dowdy and wife Kim of Bristow and Mark Dowdy and wife Diane of Yukon; one sister, Bunny Baker of Bristow, one brother, Bob Dowdy of Cleveland; five grandchildren, Travis Dowdy, John Dowdy, Janell Dowdy Thomas, Pamela Dowdy Birdwell, and Sandy Dowdy Osborne; ten great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, and two sisters. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Saturday, June 21, 2014, at the First Church of God in Bristow with Pastor Tom Hopkins officiating. Interment will follow at the Bristow City Cemetery. Condolences can be sent to www.hutchinsmaplesfuneralhome.com