Kenneth D. Dowden

November 2, 2020

Kenneth DeWayne Dowden, 90, of Huntington, passed away at 2:52 am Monday, November 2, 2020 at Lutheran Hospital, Ft. Wayne, IN. Kenneth was born on March 13, 1930 in Porter County, IN as Kenneth DeWayne Kleist, the son of Leona L. Kleist. In November 1934 his mother married Everett E. Dowden and from that time on Kenneth was known as Kenneth DeWayne Dowden. He graduated from Union Center High School in 1948 and married his first wife, Wanda Lee Brewer. Kenneth then married Mary Catherine Selle Fowler on April 22, 1962 at Bethesda EUB Church in Huntington County. She preceded him in death on March 14, 2014. Kenneth held several short time jobs before going to Kresge Warehouse in 1951. This was later known as the Kmart Distribution Center. He retired from there after 37 years of service on January 29, 1988 as Director of M.I.S. (Data Processing) for 13 Kmart Distribution Centers. He was a former member of the Bippus Lions Club, Past President of Gideon's, Past President of the Huntington County Art Guild, Past President and current member of Cancer Services of Huntington County, past Treasurer of the Huntington County Historical Society, member of the Twin Bridges Square Dance Club, Christmas City Square Dance Club, and the Faith Chapel United Methodist Church. Survivors include his Three Sons, Steve E. (Lynette) Dowden of Huntington, IN, Rick Dowden of Crisfield, MD, and Dallas (Bonnie) Dowden of Hemet, CA; Three Daughters, Carole Blair of Galveston, IN, Joyce Fryman of Huntington, IN, Debra (Jerry Stewart) Campbell of Stockbridge, MI; Sixteen Grandchildren; Twenty Five Great Grandchildren; Two Brothers, Dale Dowden and Jerry Dowden; Sister, Doris Poling; Sister in Law, Becky Dowden; Sister in Law Jean Dowden; his Special Friend, Nancy Mercier of Huntington, IN; and close Cousin who was more like a brother, Don Peters. He is preceded in death by his Wife, Mary Catherine Dowden, Father, Everett Dowden, Mother, Leona Dowden, Daughter, Vicki Jo Chamberlain, Two Sisters, Mary Birkmire and Shirley Riedel; Brother, Marvin Dowden; and Two Sons in Law, Charles Campbell Jr. and Arthur Fryman Jr. Graveside Services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 10:00 am at Beech Grove Cemetery in Huntington, IN. Please follow local recommendations for face coverings and social distancing during this event. Preferred memorials may be made in memory of Kenneth to the Cancer Services of Huntington County or Faith Chapel United Methodist Church, in care of Bailey-Love Mortuary, 35 West Park Drive, Huntington, IN, 46750. Please sign the online guest book at www.baileylove.com. Bailey-Love Mortuary is honored to serve the family of Kenneth D Dowden.