Donald O. Dowling, on the evening of Dec. 6, 2015, passed away shortly after a diagnosis of terminal lung cancer. Donald was being visited and comforted by family members and friends at Heron Cove in Gloucester, Va., at the time of his death. He was 90 years old.
Donald was born in the family home in the community formerly known as Coke, Va. He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a torpedo man, 3rd class, in the submarine service from 1943-1946, and later established a local chapter of the Submarine Veterans of WWII. A graduate of the Newport News Apprentice School, he spent most of his work career employed by the U.S. Navy in a civilian capacity as Quality Assurance Director, Supervisor of Shipbuilding, U.S. Navy, retiring in 1985. Donald was a member of the American Society for Quality Control.
He was an active member of Beech Grove Baptist Church for many years. He cared deeply about the community and was a member of the Gloucester PTA. Donald helped build the local chapter of Literacy Volunteers of America, as well as serving on the national board for several years. He was known for beautifying the median leading to the community of Coke with a flower garden enjoyed by residents and visitors.
Donald had a special interest in genealogy, taking trips to research his family roots and joining the Gloucester Genealogical Society. A lover of history, he volunteered at Rosewell Plantation and worked on an archeological project with students from William and Mary. Donald also led the effort which resulted in the commemorative memorial honoring the former school and graduates of Botetourt High School on the grounds of what is currently Botetourt Elementary. He was a member of the Gloucester Historical Society and the Virginia Historical Society.
As a young man he sold his boat to buy an engagement ring to propose to the love of his life, Louise Bristow Dowling. After fulfilling parental responsibilities, he bought his dream boat and the two of them spent many hours fishing and cruising the local waterways. Later in life his constant companion was his dog Hollee and the two of them were inseparable running errands in his beloved 2000 Chevy S10 truck which lives on with respectful care by his daughter, Donna and son-in law-Francis.
For the past year, Donald lived in the assisted living section of Gloucester House where he was known both for his willingness to help those with physical disabilities to the dining hall and his sense of humor, and he helped deliver the mail. His family lovingly nicknamed him the Mayor of Gloucester House.
Donald was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Louise Bristow Dowling; his parents, Mary Oliver and Hamilton Dowling, and all six of his siblings.
He leaves behind to cherish his memory two daughters, Donna Dowling and husband Francis Edwards of Albuquerque, N.M. and Weems, Va., and Debra Settle and husband Tyler of Ashburn, Va.; grandsons, Jason (Stacy) Brown, Benjamin (Michelle) Settle, and Daniel Settle; great-grandsons, Jaxon, Lucas, and Luke; two more great-grandchildren due to arrive in 2016, as well as a number of extended family members.
The family would like to thank the staff of Gloucester House for the supportive and welcoming environment provided to Donald for the past year of his life. We are especially grateful to the staffs of Heron Cove and Riverside Walter Reed Hospice for the attentive and compassionate care given to Donald in the last days and hours of his life, as well as the uplifting support given to his family.
A celebration of life for Donald will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 21, 2015, at Hogg Funeral Home, Gloucester Point. Inurnment will be private
While known for his flower beautification projects, it was his desire that his memory be honored instead with a donation to either the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kan. 66675 or Special Olympics, Attn: Gifts, 1133 19th Street, N.W., 12th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036-3604.
Family and friends may share condolences and memories at www.hoggfh.com.