David Lee McDowell

David Lee McDowell, 58, of Velva, North Dakota and formerly of Dawsonville, Georgia, died on Thursday, April 16, 2015, in a Minot hospital from a stroke.

David was born on June 29, 1956, in Okinawa, Japan to Junior and Mitsuko McDowell.  He moved with his family to the United States in 1972, and graduated from McEachern High School in Marietta, Georgia.  As a young adult, David resided in Marietta, Georgia and was self-employed as a residential framer.

David married Pamela Akin on December 10, 1977, in Marietta, Georgia.  They made their home in Dawsonville, Georgia where he owned and operated OSAE Group, Inc., a construction company that specialized in home building.  David especially enjoyed working with, and teaching, his sons the art of home building and woodworking.  David moved to Velva three years ago, where he rejuvenated several homes in Minot following the Flood of 2011.  David’s son, Joshua McDowell, had recently joined him, and they were subcontracting work for several Minot companies, where they specialized in flooring and upgrades.

David especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

David’s loving family includes his wife of 37 years, Pamela; children: Joshua McDowell of Velva, Rhiannon (Kyle) Killinger of Dahlonega, GA, and Marshal (Lisa) McDowell of Dawsonville, GA; granddaughters:  Sophia and Keilani McDowell, Reagan Killinger, and Elisabeth McDowell; mother: Mitsuko McDowell of Marietta, GA; siblings: James McDowell of Snellville, GA and Nancy McDowell of Marietta, GA and several nieces, nephews ,and cousins.

David was preceded in death by his father.

Friends and family are invited to drop in to a memorial cookout on June 28th, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Thompson Creek Park in Dawsonville Georgia to celebrate David's life.

Those wanting to sign the online memorial register or share memories and condolences are invited to use the expressions of sympathy section at (www.thomasfamliyfuneralhome.com).