Kevin Ray McDowell, age 56 of Osawatomie, Kansas died unexpectedly Sunday, March 11, 2012.

Kevin was born November 10, 1955 in Paola, Kansas. He was the eldest of five children of Gerald Fredrick “Jerry” McDowell and Janet Louise (Lloyd) McDowell.

He graduated from Osawatomie High School in the class of 1974.

Kevin married Candy Page in 1973 and made their home in Osawatomie. They became the parents of two children. The marriage ended in the early 80’s.

In 1980, Kevin worked for Taylor Forge for a couple of years. Kevin started his pipefitter/welder profession as apprentice at the Joplin, Missouri local and later transferred and worked as a traveler out of Pipefitters Union Local #441 of Wichita, Kansas.

In the late 1980’s, he and Brenda Burkhart were married in Kansas City, Mo. and made their home in Kansas City and Liberty, Mo. The marriage ended.

Also in the late 1980’s Kevin married Donna Trumbly. The marriage ended.

Kevin married Karen Shepherd at the Greenwood Baptist Church on August 7, 1993 and made their home in rural Osawatomie.

He was preceded in death by his father.

He is survived by his wife of the home; mother, Janet and Sam Conrad of Osawatomie, Ks; one son, Kurt and Sybill McDowell of Gardner, Ks; one daughter, Melanie and Gavin Fouts of Wellsville, Ks; four sisters, Kristie and Jerry Sams of Overland Park, Ks., Kerry and Dale( Fred )Ford of Overland Park, Ks., Kim and Kevin Dial of Paola, Ks., Karla and Ken Debrick of Paola, Ks.; two step brothers, Rusty Conrad of Paola, Ks. and Randy and Shawna Conrad of Gardner, Ks.; two step sisters, Renee Switzer of Paola, Ks. and significant other, Mike Ross of Osawatomie, Ks; three Grandchildren, Kye and Kohen Fouts of Wellsville, Ks. and Hudson McDowell of Gardner, Ks.; Numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be 10am, Thursday, March 15, 2012. Visitation will be 6-8pm, Wednesday, March14, 2012 both at the Eddy-Birchard Funeral Home Chapel.

Memorials are to the American Heart Association.