J. Craig McDowell, 41, of Mercer Rd., Ellwood City (Franklin Twp.) died Thursday, August 7, 2014 in the Emergency Room of the Ellwood City Hospital. Although in ill health, death was unexpected.
Born August 7, 1973 in Ellwood City, he was the son of Karen Smith Bentel of Ellwood City .
He was married for 13 years to Danielle Boring McDowell who survives.
Craig graduated from Riverside High School. He was the Network Administrator for the Beaver County Children and Youth Services. He was an active member of the Wurtemburg Presbyterian Church. Craig was an EMT and also a member of the Franklin Twp. Volunteer Fire Department. He was a committee member for Boy Scout Troop 420 in North Sewickley Twp. He enjoyed electronics. His most cherished time was spent with his family.
In addition to his parents and wife, Danielle, survivors include three children, Tyler Jarod, Nikki, and Kaiden McDowell, all at home. He is also survived by his grandmother, Mary Louise Wilson of Ellwood City.
Visiting hours will be held on Monday August 11 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the Marshall Funeral Home 200 Fountain Ave. Ellwood City. The Franklin Twp. Fire Department will hold a service at 8 pm.
Funeral Services will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 11 am with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Daniel Stinson officiating.
Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com.
Dearest Cousin;
The world will grieve the loss of a wonderful man, but we will take comfort in knowing Heaven gained an angel. I love you, Craig.
I am with you always:
To those I love and those who love me
—
When I’m gone, release me, let me go
I have so many things to see and do.
You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears.
Be happy we had so many years.
I gave you my love, you can only guess
how much you gave me in happiness.
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
but now it’s time I travel alone.
So grieve a while for me if grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It’s only for a while that we must part,
so bless the memories within your heart.
I won’t be far away, for life goes on.
So if you need me, call and I will come.
Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you’ll hear
all of my love around you soft and clear.
And then, when you must come this way alone,
I’ll greet you with a smile and say, “Welcome home.”
I wish with all my heart I could be there with all of you during this time. Craig was an awesome and special person. I feel blessed to have known him. Even though our friendship was long distance I have always felt that Craig, Danni, Tyler, Nikki and Kaiden were part of my family and will always be. I feel honored that I was able to attend their wedding 13 yrs ago, and they always made me feel welcomed and loved.
He was a great listener and always knew how to make me laugh. He was and always be my “bratty bro”. I will miss him greatly, but in out hearts he will always be alive.
Sis Danni and Tyler…. if you ever need to just talk please message me. I will be there for you. If it were not for distance I would be there in person.
Sometimes it feels unfair
Sometimes it feels cruel
That someone with so much to give
can be taken away from you.
There is one more soul in heaven
One more angel peering down.
A golden heart has stopped beating
But in our thoughts he will aways be around.
Today I say goodbye to a very, special friend. I have sat beside this man for the last eight years and we have shared many, many secrets and thoughts about family and work. I now find myself walking into our office and not realizing it but saying, “Good morning, Craig”. You will be sadly missed by all here at the agency, but especially by me, Tom, Dave, Tony, and Mary. RIP Craig.
Dani, I wish I could be there for you in person. We are praying for you in Colorado. You have my sympathy and condolences. I can’t express how sorry I am for your loss. Craig was a great person. I am here if you need to talk.
Dani & Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Craig. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in days to come.
Art, Karen & Melanie Hayes
Just wanted to add a short note letting “Craigy” ( he hated it when I called him that) know and his grieving family know, that he will be missed. I worked with Craig at the County for 8 years, and he was a very good guy. I still can’t believe he won’t be coming back. Hopefully, Craig you are in a much better placed than this, no more pain and suffering. For the family you left behind, they will have fond and loving memories of you. Hang in there Dani and family. This is the hardest time!!!!! You will pull through!
Gwen Feitt
Danielle – Tyler – Nikki – Kaiden – we are so sorry for your loss of Craig. He was such a nice person and we know how much you all loved him. I am sorry but we were not able to come to the viewing, but wanted you to know how sorry we are. Just know that is not in any pain anymore. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this time.