Ralph Wallace McDowell, 81, World War II Veteran, 3rd generation fruit farmer

He was born October 18, 1921 in Henrietta Township in the home where he was raised and lived his entire life. He was a 1940 graduate of Henrietta High School.

Ralph served in the US Army during World War II in Europe with the 304th Infantry Regiment Company L in the 2nd Platoon. While in the service he received the Good Conduct Medal; the American Campaign Medal; the European African Middle Eastern Medal with one Bronze Star; the World War II Victory Medal; and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was a 3rd generation fruit orchard farmer on his family farm, the McDowell Orchards, in Henrietta Township. He was a member of Henrietta United Methodist Church, the Ohio Fruit Growers' Society, the Ohio Farm Bureau, and a 64-year member of The Grange. While in high school he played basketball and enjoyed square dancing, big band music, bowling, and baseball.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Agnes Margaret McDowell (nee Willson), and his daughter Lois Marie McDowell of Henrietta Township.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ralph Merle and Elizabeth (nee Candoo) McDowell.

Friends may call Wednesday, July 2, 2003 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 11:00 a.m. from Henrietta United Methodist Church, 52148 State Route 113, Birmingham with the Rev. Bill Carter, pastor, officiating. The Amherst Veterans Military Honor Guard will be performing honors. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst.

The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Henrietta United Methodist Church, 52148 State Route 113, Birmingham, 44816, or to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, Grand Central Station, PO Box 4777, New York, NY 10163 or visit www.michaeljfox.org