Dallas "Mack" McDowell
August 31, 1938 – September 7, 2025

Dallas "Mack" McDowell passed away peacefully after receiving Last Rites on Sunday, September 7, 2025, just one week after celebrating his 87th birthday.

Born at home in Faro, Missouri on August 31, 1938, Mack was the son of Cecil and Anna McDowell (née Francis) and the 8th of 10 children. He was the beloved husband of Mary Jean "Jeannie" McDowell (née Mattern), and a devoted father to Noelle Lopez (Joe Bank), Andrea Espeland (Randy), Marit Mertz (Greg), and Emily Dorsey (Mike). He was a proud grandfather to Brett, Nicholas, Megan, and Austin Espeland; Gabby, Joe, and Michael Mertz; and Olivia Dorsey.

Mack grew up on a small farm in the hills of Southeast Missouri.  Life was simple and often difficult—his home had no electricity or indoor plumbing, and he attended a one-room schoolhouse serving grades K–8. He studied by the light of a kerosene lantern and embraced hard work from an early age, a trait that defined his life.

Mack served in the U.S. Army during the Cuban Missile Crisis and went on to dedicate over 35 years to law enforcement—first with the City of St. Louis and later with St. Louis County. In the 1980s and 1990s, he developed security programs for Dierbergs Markets, Parkway School District, and Epstein Hebrew Academy, demonstrating his commitment to public safety and community welfare.

He was known for his wisdom, generosity, and readiness to help—whether lending a tool, advising on lawn issues, or helping the parent of a teenager who needed guidance. Mack had a deep appreciation for the outdoors. He was an avid conservationist, hunter, and fisherman who loved camping in the mountains of the Western U.S. and Canada—always managing to catch a trout or salmon dinner.

He was an avid reader and storyteller who never forgot a good joke or who told it. Mack loved playing his guitar and harmonica, gardening, birds, flowers, and the peace of the woods. Most of all, he loved his family.

He is survived by his sister, Jewel Sutton, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Angie, John, Corene, Mildred, Margie, Odis, Marvin, and Theresa.

A memorial Mass will be held at Incarnate Word Parish in Chesterfield, MO, on Saturday, October 25th at 10:30 AM, with visitation beginning at 9:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Mack's honor to:
BJC Hospice / Evelyn's House
Blood Cancer United