Byron "Milton" McDowell, 84, of Bluffton and formerly Columbus Grove, died Thursday, June 30, 2011, at 11:30 a.m. at Mennonite Memorial Home, Bluffton.

He was born June 27, 1927, in Columbus Grove, Ohio, to Byron Lee and Neva (McKanna) McDowell. On July 9, 1948, he married Mary Jane Roberts who survives.

Mr. McDowell retired from Baldwin-Lima Hamilton/Clark Equipment, Lima, and from Bluffton University. He was a member and elder of the Church of the Good Shepherd, Columbus Grove.

Survivors include three sons, Michael (Robin) of Bluffton; Dean (special partner Bob Montooth) of Palm Springs, Calif.; and Shawn of Baltimore, Maryland. A sister Wanda E. McDowell of Columbus, Ohio, also survives. Other survivors are two step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandchild.

A funeral service is at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, July 2, at Church of the Good Shepherd, Columbus Grove. Pastor Michael Whitman and Pastor James Mason will officiate.

Burial is in Osborn Cemetery, Columbus Grove. Military rites will be held. Visitation is from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday and from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Memorials may go to the church, Mennonite Memorial Home or Putnam County Hospice.