David Sherman Dowdy, 80,  passed away on September 28, 2023. He was born on May 17, 1943, in Louisville, KY to Dr. John W. Dowdy and Floy Thurston Dowdy.

He graduated from high school in Bolivar, MO, and studied at Southwest Baptist University, where he was named Big Man on Campus. He transferred to OBU where he sang in the Bison Glee Club, and graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma with his Bachelor's and Master's degrees of Education.

David and Fredella were married on August 31, 1962, in Granby, MO, his father officiating.

David served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970 as a Combat and Intelligence Sargeant. He received many commendations for his wartime service, including the Bronze Star.

As a teacher, he spent the majority of his 30-year career teaching English at Guthrie Junior High. He created an innovative video newscast featuring  extracurricular activities and class reports. Mr. Dowdy was known for introducing his students to the science fiction author Ray Bradbury and for his "man in black" fashion style.

A lifelong learner, David was fascinated with any kind of technology. He and Freddi loved to travel. He was an avid reader, music fan, bird watcher, and cat owner. He received great pleasure from interacting with his friends and family in person and on Facebook.

He is survived by his wife Fredella Dowdy of Guthrie; his daughter Ingrid Lobaugh and her husband Christian of Tulsa; his son Eric and his wife Ándrea of White Rock, NM; 5 grandchildren: Rachel Lobaugh, Anna Lobaugh, Nicolas Dowdy, Antonio Dowdy, and Dominic Dowdy; one brother Paul Dowdy, and his wife Maggie of Wetumpka, AL, and a sister-in-law Joycelyn Dowdy of Indianapolis, IN. He also has many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John W. Dowdy, Jr., and Floyd Dowdy.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 3, from 4 to 6pm at Hayes Funeral Home. The graveside service will be for family only.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in David's honor to one of these charities:

Oklahoma Humane Society

7500 N. Western Ave. Oklahoma City, OK 73116

okhumane.org

https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=okhumane&id=1

Wounded Warrior Project

PO Box 758516

Topeka, KS 66675-8516

woundedwarriorproject.org

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=10043&ovr_acv_id=5246