He was born in Neelyville, Missouri on Dec. 6, 1937. The family moved out west and settled in Baker City where Dolph attended school.
While attending a summer dance in Haines, Dolph met his future wife, J. Roselle McNair and on Dec. 31, 1955, they were married at St. Francis Cathedral in Baker City.
Dolph was a proud retiree of the Oregon Highway Division (DOT). He received many awards throughout his 31-year career even receiving Employee of the Year in 1981. Dad really enjoyed his long retirement adding golf to an impressive list of hobbies that included fishing, hunting, camping, woodworking, gardening, wine making, painting with acrylics and the ability to fix anything and everything!
He is preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, J. Roselle; parents, Mabel Christine Emmerson and Adolph Maxwell Dowdy Sr.; four brothers, Harvie, Marvin, Roy and infant Carroll.
Survivors include his two children, Janis (Regan) of Pasco, Wash., and R. Joseph (Genevieve) of Ft. Collins, Colo.; six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. There are also four surviving sisters, Loretta, Hazel, Wanda & Darlene and four brothers, Verl, Harold, Lowell & Troy and three McNair brothers-in-law, Mark, William & Hugh. There are also numerous loving family members, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many lifelong and close friends. A special “Thank You” to Pat Moncrief for her care and devotion.
A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Monday, July 13, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church, 565 W. Hermiston Ave. As per Dolph’s request, a get together will take place afterward at the Eagles Lodge #2909, 160 NW 2nd Street, in Hermiston.
Memorial contributions may be made to Vange John Memorial Hospice (Education), 645 W. Orchard Ave., Suite 300, Hermiston, OR 97838.
Please send condolences at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
