Patrick (Pat) Michael Dowling, age 77, passed away on June 24, 2021.
Pat was born on August 20, 1943 in Kansas City, MO at Research Hospital to Fenton Robert Dowling and Peggy Lou (Reuteler) Dowling. He grew up in Kansas City, attending Redemptorist and St. Therese Little Flower Grade Schools, De La Salle Military Academy Night School, and Kansas City, MO Junior College, graduating with an associate science chemistry degree. His parents relocated to Liberal, KS in 1962, so he attended the University of Kansas where he completed a Bachelor of Arts in English. Pat served in the United States Naval Reserve from May 1965 to May 1971, with active duty service during the Vietnam War from March of 1966 to January 1968 aboard the aircraft carrier, USS Wasp CVS-18. He returned to Kansas University after active duty to earn a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in January of 1969. He taught one semester of junior high math at Broadmoor Junior High in the Shawnee Mission school district.
He spent 35 years in various positions in the field of data processing formally with four different organizations redeveloping financial systems. While working, he completed a Master in Business Administration from Avila University in May, 1983, using that training to better perform his jobs.
He married Lynda Lee Parkison On July 1, 1967 and the two had 2 beautiful daughters, Shannon Lynn Knecht and Jennifer Kathleen Ruth, who had 4 grandchildren, Kelsey Knecht, Madigan Knecht, Mason Ruth, and Kaia Ruth.
After leaving full time work, Pat worked 3 summers for Xanterra Corporation at Yellowstone National Park and 3 winters for the Internal Revenue Service processing income tax payments. In retirement, Pat continued to enjoy day trips, hikes, and extended travel while volunteering as a Shick Medicare counselor, AARP tax preparer Johnson County Community College VOL*Star usher. Overland Park arboretum train engineer, and KU Alzheimer's volunteer.
He leaves behind his partner Sandra Lee Calloway and their pets at home.
Pat requests donations be made to the KU Alzheimer's Disease Center, Make check's payable to:
KU Endowment
c/o Lindsay Hummer
Mail Stop 3012
Rainbow Blvd.
Kansas City, KS 66106
**Please note KU ADC in the memo line**
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