Larry Ross Dowell, age 83 of Stronghurst, Illinois, died at 6:10 A.M. Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab in Stronghurst. He was born June 11, 1934 in Burlington, Iowa, the son of Oscar and Martha Ross Dowell. Following his mother's death in 1938, he was raised by his grandparents, Harry and Helen Ross. On September 4, 1960, he married Rebecca Adair in Biggsville, Illinois.

Mr. Dowell farmed and raised cattle his entire life as a 5 ^th generation farmer, on the land settled by his ancestors in the 1840's. He was a 1952 graduate of Stronghurst High School. He attended Western Illinois University for two years and the University Of Illinois for one semester before returning home to operate the family farm with his brother, Sidney. He was active on many local, state, and national organizations, including, President of the Tri-County Cattlemen's Association, President of the Illinois Beef Association, Regional Vice President of the National Cattlemen's Association, President of the Henderson County Fair Board, President of the Henderson County Board, served on the WIEC Board of Directors, and the Warren- Henderson County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. He also served as a 4-H leader for many years.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Rebecca, four children, Natalie (Mark) Schmitt of Royalton, MN, Nancy Dowell of Monmouth, Barry (Terri) Dowell of Stronghurst, Amy (Joe) Thompson of Berwick, IL, eight grandchildren, Jonathon (Libby) Schmitt, Michael, Katie and Austin Schmitt, Caleb and Abby Dowell, and Carly and Alec Thompson, two brothers, Sidney Dowell of Stronghurst, Rod (Karen) Dowell of Girard, IL, and one sister, Sheila (George) Wells of Bloomington, IL. He was preceded in death by parents and grandparents.

Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst. The funeral will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, October 18, 2017 at Banks & Beals. Burial will follow in the Stronghurst Cemetery. Memorials have been established for the Henderson County Fair Association and Oak Lane Nursing & Rehab of Stronghurst. Please visit banksandbeals.com to sign the guest book and leave a condolence.