Michael W. McDowell, 71, died at 2:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, at his home with his wife by his side, after a long suffering battle with COPD.  

Michael was born May 3, 1949, in Lima, to the late Byron Milton and Mary Jane (Roberts) McDowell. On Nov. 10, 2002, he married Robin (Miles) Klingler McDowell. 

Michael was a 1967 graduate of Columbus Grove High School. He served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Era from 1969 to 1972 at Fort Lee, Virginia. Following his service in the Army he returned to The Ohio State University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Agriculture.

Michael retired from Bluffton Schools, where he was a bus driver and had previously worked for the McBee Grain Elevator in Bluffton and the Monsanto Company in Findlay.

Michael grew up on a farm in Columbus Grove and developed a love for John Deere tractors. He was also a train and locomotive enthusiast. He attended Pleasant View United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Robin McDowell of Bluffton; two step-children, Joleen (Anthony) Youngpeter and Nathan (Ashley)  Klingler both of Bluffton; three grandchildren, Daniel, Julian and Cora Lou Klingler; two brothers, Dean McDowell of Desert Palm Springs, California; Shawn McDowell of Baltimore, Maryland; mother-in-law, Ruth  Miles of Findlay; two sisters-in-law; Rochel (Tony)  Swartz of Fostoria, Darlene  Miles of Findlay and four cousins, Steve (Cathy)  Roberts of Florida, Ken (Marge)  Roberts, Jeff  Roberts and Doug  Roberts all of Columbus Grove.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his, father-in-law, Richard Miles; brother-in-law, Scott Miles, Sr., and aunt, Wanda  McDowell.

Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 3, at Pleasant View United Methodist Church. Pastor Mike Noggle will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Rockport Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #382, Bluffton, and the United States Army.

The family will receive friends from 2 - 4 and 6 - 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 2, at Chiles-Laman Funeral and Creamation Services, Bluffton chapel, and one hour prior to the service at the church.  

Memorial contributions may be made to Bluffton EMS, PO Box 63, Bluffton, Ohio 45817, or the Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 300 County Road 37, Bluffton, Ohio 45817.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.