Ted Eugene Dowler, 89, of North Platte, passed away Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at Linden Court in North Platte.
Ted was born August 18, 1932, to Clarence and Easter Dowler at Lafferty, OH. He grew up in Ravenswood, West Virginia and later served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
On July 12, 1969, Ted married Sandra Billick Ditmars in Rock Island, IL, and they made their home in West Liberty, Iowa. Throughout his working years, Ted drove for Gene Mitchell Trucking, CRST, and Louis Rich before his lengthy career with Farm Service (now known as Growmark FS) where he earned the Million Miles Safe Driving Award twice.
After moving to Alliance in 2000, Ted enjoyed retirement by tending to his yard and making frequent visits to local convenient stores along with the casino and loved to play the ‘scratchies’. He was often seen slowly driving ‘Mother’ in their shined up Kia Soul, often backing up the traffic. Ted loved to tinker, especially with lawn mowers, and upcycle projects he’d find through his travels. In 2018, due to health concerns, Ted and Sandy moved to North Platte.
Having never met a stranger, Ted would often strike up conversation with anyone. He was a wonderful husband and caretaker to his wife. Ted dearly loved his family and the friends he met that also became family.
He especially loved talking about his grandkids and great-grandkids and enjoyed sharing their stories. He will be remembered for his fondness of food, mowing straight lines in his yard and he never met a peach cobbler he didn’t like.
He is survived by children, Dana (Kelly) Dowler of North Platte, Kari (Michael) Donahue of Sellersburg, IN, and Curt (Brenda) Ditmars of Coralville, IA; grandchildren, Tyson Dowler, Allyson (Michael) Boerschig, Mitch (Marina) Donahue, Elliott Beenk, Tyler (Megan) Donahue, Kendra Ditmars, Kassi (Robert) Reuille and Andrea (Cliff) Brazzille; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Sheila Billick; nieces, Charyn (Betz) Billick, Cindi (John) Matzen and Cami Billick; other family and many friends.
Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, and his parents.
Cremation was chosen and a private family service will be held. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.