William Dowden's Obituary
Funeral services for William Houston “Junior” Dowden, 89, of Leesville will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at Labby Memorial Funeral Home of Leesville, with Bro. Arvin Vielman officiating, followed by a private burial in the Four Winds Farm Cemetery.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 30, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Junior was born on March 4, 1933 in Kisatchie, LA and was a lifelong resident of Leesville. He passed away at his home on Saturday, November 26, 2022, with family at his side.
As a young man, Junior worked in Shreveport, LA for many years as a carpenter. He served the First Baptist Church of Leesville as a dedicated staff member for 10 plus years. He later found joy as the bus driver on Bus 1 for the Vernon Parish School Board for 30 plus years. His motto was “Rain or Shine, Bus 1 is always on time.” Even upon retirement, Junior enjoyed continuing to work- State Highway Department, Fort Polk role play and more. He was happy just tinkering with lawn mowers and old bicycles.
Junior is preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Ellie Burr Dowden and sisters, Margie Williams and Edna Wall of Baton Rouge, LA.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife; Opal Dowden of Leesville, LA, sons; William Alvin Dowden (Linda) of Leesville, LA, Leslie Gene Dowden (DeAnna) of Robertsdale, MO, daughters; Barbara Scott (Kenny) of Wichita Falls, TX, Mary Ann Dowden of Leesville, LA, grandchildren; Gene Paul Dowden, Mary Louise Moore, Alisa Denise Vielman, Bucky Alvin Dowden, Leslie Gene Dowden Jr., Tiffany Ensley, DeAnna Hill, 11 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Words of comfort may be expressed to the Dowden Family at www.labbymemorial.com
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