Funeral services for Joseph "Joe" Welles McDowell, 81, of Onalaska, Texas will be held Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Mike Loftin officiating. Interment will follow at Farley Chapel Cemetery in Shepherd, Texas. There will not be a procession, please meet at the cemetery at 11:30 a.m. Visitation will be held on the day of service from 9:00-10:00 a.m., at the funeral home.

Joe was born January 6, 1944 in Doucette, Texas and passed away September14, 2025 in Onalaska, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Alfred McDowell and Annie (Rowell) McDowell; granddaughter, Shawna Romero; brother, James Jordan; and sisters, Nancy Jordan, Dorthy Jordan, and Mary V. McDowell Hargraves; and daughter-in-law, Theresa Romero.

Joe retired after 20 years in the United States Navy and served during the Vietnam War. He received the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

He is survived by his wife Patricia Ann "Pat" McDowell; sons, Ronald Romero, Raymond Romero and Angela, and Stephen McDowell; daughter, Suzanne Romero; grandchildren, Shelby Romero, Christian Romero, and Kale Romero; brothers, John "Freddy McDowell and Mary, and Douglas McDowell and Donna; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society in Joe's honor.