Douglas F. McDowell

Douglas F. McDowell, age 78, of Tecumseh passed away Friday, Dec. 17, 2010, at Tecumseh Place II under the care of Hospice of Lenawee after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Douglas was born in Plainwell, Mich., the son of James and Jane (Brown) McDowell.  On June 3, 1961, he married Judy Seidel and she survives.

Doug was a graduate of Tecumseh High School, class of 1950. He attended the University of Michigan for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Coast Guard. After serving his country, he attended Western Michigan University and graduated in 1957. Upon graduation, he began his teaching and coaching career at Addison High School. He coached junior high and ninth grade basketball until 1964 when he obtained the varsity head coaching position. For the next eighteen years, he built a basketball dynasty. His team was league champions in ’65-’66, ’71-’72, and again in ’74-’75. He earned the All County Coach of the Year Award as his teams won the league and district championships. Through his leadership and commitment to excellence, he was instrumental in building individual character and the making of young men. In addition to basketball, he coached football and track at Addison Public Schools before retiring in 1992. Doug was a loving husband, father and devoted grandfather. He was an avid golfer and Michigan fan whose witty sense of humor will be missed by all those who knew and loved him.

In addition to his wife, Doug is survived by his sons, Mark (Lori) McDowell and Mike (Julie) McDowell both of Tecumseh; and three grandchildren, Ryan, Alex, and Abbie.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bruce.

Visitation was on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2010, at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes from 4-8 p.m., and on Monday, Dec. 20, from 6–8 p.m.  The Funeral Service was held at the funeral home on Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Richard Mortimer officiating.  Interment followed at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh. Friends were received at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until service time. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Association, Parkinson’s Foundation or to Hospice of Lenawee. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com.