July 16, 1951 - August 14, 2024 EL PASO — Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Michael Dowden of El Paso, IL, known by many as Doc, went to be with his Lord on August 14, 2024, at the age of 73. Born on July 16, 1951, in Indianapolis, IN, Larry lived a life marked by his love of the outdoors, his career in medicine, and his community, and his Lord.
An avid sportsman, Larry cherished the outdoors, spending much of his recreation time hunting and fishing, a hobby he shared with his father, his son Michael, and his friends. He took many week-long trips with family and friends to Smith Camps on Lake of the Woods in Canada where he enjoyed his favorite pastimes against the backdrop of beautiful landscapes. For 30 years he taught hunter safety courses and participated in community organizations to promote safety and responsibility in hunting and fishing.
Larry's faith played a large role in his life. He accepted Christ at age eight and during his adult life he was a member of several churches over the years including College Park Christian Church, Hudson Christian Church where he served as a Deacon, and in his last days Community Bible Fellowship in El Paso. Larry was a beloved husband and father, survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Teresa (Terry) Dowden; his siblings: Terry Nelson and Jack Dowden; sons: Michael Dowden and Jeremiah Dowden; and grandchildren: Brook Ebtinger and Alexander (Xander) Dowden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray Arnold and Patricia Ann (Pat) Dowden. Larry graduated from Carmel High School in 1969 and went on to earn a BS in Chemistry in 1973 and an MD in Medicine in 1976, both from Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). He co-founded Drs Dowden & Whittington, S.
C., focusing on family medicine. He later joined OSF Healthcare in 1993 where he worked in the Eastland Medical Primary Care office.
Over the years he worked in obstetrics, addiction recovery and occupational health, partially retiring to focus on urgent care before fully retiring. Visitation will be from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 p.m.
on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Community Bible Fellowship in El Paso. Funeral services will begin at 2:00 p.m.
at the church. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery in El Paso. Memorial Contributions may be directed to International Disaster Emergency Services (ides.
org), or Can Do Kids International, El Paso, IL. Condolences and tributes can be sent to family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.
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