Ronald E. Dowden, Sr.

Ronald Ellie Dowden, Sr., 74, of Ragley, LA, died at 1:50 PM on Thursday, June 4, 2020 at his daughter’s residence.

Mr. Dowden was born January 18, 1946 in Anacoco, LA and was a lifelong resident of the Lake Charles / Ragley areas.  He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  Mr. Dowden was a jack of all trades and retired as expeditor at the plants.  He was a member of Reeves Baptist Church.  He loved spending time outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, but his true love was for his family.

Mr. Dowden is survived by his wife of fifty-eight years, Sherry Miller Dowden; sons, Ronald E. “Spud” Dowden, Jr. and wife Andressa and Durwin D. Dowden and wife Gwen, all of Ragley; daughter, Shandel Bailey and husband Norman of Dry Creek; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellie and Mini Dowden; infant daughter, Darla Faye Dowden; sister, Elaine Jarrell; and brothers, Derwin Dowden, Gary Dowden, and William “Billy” Dowden.

His funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, June 8, 2020 at Reeves Baptist Church.  Reverend Charles Carrol will officiate.  Burial will follow in Birdnest Cemetery in Gillis, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff.  A gathering of family members and friends will be at the church on Monday from 10:00 AM until the start of the service.