Arkansas Horseman Donald Dewitt McDowell Dies at 86
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Photo: Clay Carson
Don, left, with his son Bill McDowell
Longtime Arkansas horseman Donald Dewitt McDowell, age 86, of Sparkman, passed Sept. 9, at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia. He was born Dec. 16, 1933, in Kewanee, Ill., the son of the late Dewitt and Lucille Robbins McDowell. Don served in the United States Army and was an expert marksman. He returned home and started raising Quarter horses and eventually bred and raised Thoroughbreds.
Don moved his family to Sparkman, Arkansas in the summer of 1972. Since then he has built a successful cattle and Thoroughbred ranch that his youngest son, Bill, and family still manage. Don's love of horses and knowledge of breeding successful winners had made him well known throughout the southwest. The farm has produced many stakes winners including grade 3 winner Comedero.
He also served for many years as a director on the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders Association Board.
Don is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy McDowell; children, Robert McDowell (Sandy), Rebecca Greenwood (Joe Don) and Bill McDowell (Mary); seven grandchildren; and four great grandchildren, and one brother, Fred McDowell (Patsy) of Altona, Ill.
Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Sheriff's Youth Ranch, 100 St. Vincent Place, Batesville, AR 72501
The family would like to thank the administration and staff of the Twin Rivers Rehabilitation Facility and The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia.
Private family services will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book.