Robert C. Dowe, of China, passed away peacefully on Feb. 23 following a courageous battle with brain cancer.
He was born on Dec. 22, 1939 to Edmond and Alice Dowe of China. After graduating from Erskine Academy he served in the U.S. Air Force. On Aug. 28, 1960 he married the love of his life, Madeline Bailey. Together they had six children. He operated a garage in South China Village briefly until he took on a new endeavor of a self employed logger. In 1976 they built, owned and operated Dowe’s Variety Store until 1996.
He was a long-time member of the South China Volunteer Fire Department, Dirigo Masonic Lodge #104 and Boynton Webber American Legion Post 179.
He is predeceased by his parents; brothers, Richard, Roger and Ronald Dowe; and sister, Ruth Hussey; infant child, Deborah; and grandson, Justin Hatch.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Madeline Bailey Dowe; sons, Robert C. Dowe II and wife Jennifer, Glenn Dowe and partner Jackie Fincher, and Donald Dowe and wife Melissa; daughters, Julie Finley and husband John, and Kelley Warren and fiance Jon Thornhill; and precious family friends Tamara Sheaff and husband Dean; 12 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; sisters Marilyn Bragg, Barbara Poulin, Dorothy Burke, and Gloria Pinette; and several nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m., Tues., Feb. 28 at the South China Community Church followed by refreshments at the Boynton Webber American Legion Post 179.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South China Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 325, China, ME 04358; or The Boynton Webber American Legion Post 179, PO Box 401, China, ME 04358.
Arrangements are under the care of Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner.