Edward David Dowdle, Jr.

Edward David Dowdle, Jr. quietly passed away Wednesday morning, May 29, 2013 at home with his family by his side in Linden, Arizona following a brief illness. He was 64 years old. Ed was born on December 20, 1948 in Douglas, Cochise County, Arizona to his parents, the late Edward David, Sr. and Leota Hazeltine (Foster) Dowdle. Ed married the "love of his life", Lorraine (Nikolaus) on January 24, 1969 in Show Low. To their union, 5 children were born, whom all brought much joy to them. The couple most recently celebrated their 44th wedding anniversary together. Throughout his working career, Ed worked for the U.S. Immigration as a border patrol agent. His career allowed him to live throughout the Southwest. Ed also worked as a special agent for the U.S. Government in St. Louis, Missouri as well as Denver, Colorado. Too, he was the liaison for the U.S. Immigration Department with the F.B.I. Ed was able to retire in 1999 and move back to Arizona, making his home in the White Mountains. Ed joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1978. He had a strong testimony of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ and was not afraid to share it with others. He had many opportunities to serve in Church callings through the years and always did so, valiantly. Ed also served in many leadership positions with the Boy Scouts of America. He loved to help the boy scouts obtain their merit badges and watch them progress up through the scouting program. Ed had a special affinity for the great-out-of-doors and felt a special closeness to the Lord as he appreciated, so much, the beauty of His creation. He was an excellent hunter and always enjoyed a good camping trip with family and friends. Also, throughout his life, Ed developed incredible outdoor survival skills and was always willing to share those skills with others. Ed possessed expert firearm skills as well. He was a Firearms Instructor for Federal Law Enforcement Officers at its training center in New Mexico. One always felt safe in the presence of this gentle giant and he will be greatly missed. Ed is survived by his wife, Lorraine Nikolaus Dowdle of Linden, Arizona; 3 daughters: Sharron (Jay Gibbons) Dowdle of Show Low, Arizona, Kelley Dowdle of Show Low, Arizona, Steffanie (Leroy) Poen of Emmett, Idaho; 2 sons: Eddie (Holly) Dowdle of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Jim (Donella) Dowdle of Denver, Colorado; 2 sisters: Darlene Williamson of Linden, Arizona, Carole Jackson of Houston, Texas; mother-in-law, Elizabeth Nikolaus and 10 grandchildren. Ed is also survived by many aunts, uncles, extended family members and many friends. Along with his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Lamar Nikolaus. The visitation will be 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Friday, June 7, 2013 at Owens Livingston Mortuary - White Mountain Chapel, 320 N. 9th Street in Show Low, Arizona. The funeral service, officiated by Bishop Jared Hall, will begin 11:00 A.M., Saturday, June 8, 2013 at the Show Low Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1401 W. Deuce of Clubs in Show Low, Arizona. The concluding service and interment will immediately follow at the Show Low Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Aide or Perpetual Education Fund through your home ward.