Marvin Dowdy

EAST CAPE GIRARDEAU, Ill. -- Marvin Dowdy, 74, of East Cape Girardeau died Saturday, June 25, 2011, at his home.

He was born May 4, 1937, in Miller City, Ill., son of Otis and Frieda Willis Dowdy.

Marvin was a retired entrepreneur. He owned and operated motels in Olive Branch, Ill., and Brownsville, Texas, and was formerly a welder. He was a literary connoisseur and always enjoyed a good laugh.

He is survived by a daughter, Teresa McKee of Austin, Texas; two sons, Terry Dowdy of Tamms, Ill., John Dowdy of Texas; a stepson, Nick Bigham of Chaffee, Mo.; five grandchildren; a great-grandchild; two stepgrandchildren; two former wives, Jane Dowdy and Cuba Payne; two sisters, Colleen Shaw of Jerseyville, Ill., and Janis Stevens of Katy, Texas; nieces; nephews; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Marvin Michael Dowdy, who passed away Oct. 31, 1960; five brothers, Dean, Keith, Norman, Larry and Lloyd Dowdy; and a sister, Donna McKee.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Crain Funeral Home in Tamms.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Earnest Brown officiating. Interment will be in Olive Branch Cemetery.