Jack Earl Dowell

Julian (Jack) Earl Dowell passed away on April 22, 2025, in Yuma, Colorado, at the age of 85. He was born on  February 15, 1940, in La Junta, CO, to Cleo and Lucile Dowell. He was #3 in a family of 6 kids. 

Jack was a graduate of Rocky Ford High School Class of 1958. On June 10, 1962, Jack married Carol Bender  and to this union 3 three children, Dan, Chery and Greg were born. Jack and Carol were married nearly 62  years. Carol passed away in May of 2024. 

Jack was raised on a farm in Rocky Ford Colorado and like many farm kids, was active in 4H and FFA. Jack  always had a passion for livestock, especially horses. After graduation Jack joined the Army and served for two  years before being honorably discharged in 1960. Jack always wanted to travel back to Germany, where he  had been stationed, and he enjoyed discussing all things Army with Adam. 

He was a dedicated member of the United Methodist Church for over 50 years and was a current member of  the Yuma Methodist Church. He helped with the Yuma County Fair as a pick-up man for the rodeo and guarded the cattle barn at night. 

In 1973 Jack was hired to be a Colorado State Brand Inspector. He held this position for 30 years, retiring in  2003. When asked how many head of cattle he inspected, he reported over 100,000 head per year. That is  over 1 million head of cattle in his 30-year career! Jack was required to remember and be able to read 35,000  brands as well as brand transfers, updates and sales. He often hunted down stolen cattle or helped identify  cattle that had escaped their pastures. He loved his job, but when asked, he said he was interested in doing  something different, like driving a tractor and playing with his grandkids. 

But that didn’t last long. Retirement must have been boring, because he soon was working for the Republican  River Water District and serving on the Yuma County Water board, as well as driving a tractor for a few area  farmers before finally retiring. 

In his free time, Jack enjoyed working with horses, playing solitaire, going for coffee with “the guys” and playing  with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his later years he enjoyed driving around looking at fields  and farms. 

Jack and Carol’s home was always open to people needing a bed to sleep in, a meal to eat or an activity to do.  They never missed any event Dan, Chery and Greg participated in and when grandkids and great grandkids  arrived, they enjoyed attending their events as well. 

Jack is survived by his children Dan (Judy), Chery (Adam), Greg, grandchildren Dani (Joe), Andi (Trey), Niki (Brett), Kaci (Clay), Sara (Jared), Taner (Page), Jess and Dillon, great-grandchildren Whit, Decker, AJ, Scottie,  Conner, Emma, Stetson, Blair and Ellie Mae. Jack was excited to meet Baby Boy Thompson (Sara and  Jared) in July and in November, Baby McGee (Brett and Niki). He is also survived by Brothers Bill (Janiece)  and George (Paula) sister Shirley (Tom), brother-in law Gary (Carolyn)Bender, sister-in-law Donna Lusk and  Kenny Ingraham as well as many nieces and nephews and other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents Cleo and Lucile Dowell, parents-in-law John and Irene Bender, brother Joe Dowell, sister-in-law Joane Dowell, sister Susie Ingraham, brother-in-law Kent Lusk, and great grandson Jameson Porter. 

A memorial service will be held on April 28, 2025, at 11 am at Yuma Methodist Church Yuma, Colorado.  Baucke Funeral Home in Yuma, Colorado is assisting with the arrangements.

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