Evelyn Opal Mcdowell

Funeral Services for Evelyn Opal McDowell, 88, widow of Russell Ford 'Mac' McDowell, who passed away Tuesday March 30, 2010 will be held Saturday April 3, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Delhomme Funeral Home in Lafayette, LA. Pastor Dino Griffin will conduct the service. Evelyn was born on September 27, 1921 to Lawrence and Cora Perkins in Thief River Falls Minnesota. She married Russell 'Mac' McDowell on June 8, 1941. After Russell returned from serving in WW II, they lived briefly in Thief River Falls, moving to Crookston, MN in 1946. They moved to Hibbing, MN in 1967. Together they raised eight children. Soon after her husband's death Evelyn moved to Lafayette, LA where she spent the last eight years of her life living close to four of her eight children. Evelyn was a high-spirited woman with a strong Christian faith. In her younger days, she was an amazing dancer and won several competitions through the years. She was also an avid card player. 'Smear' was her favorite card game and she and Mac 'beat the socks off' of many a team. Evelyn enjoyed being outdoors and her children have fond memories of the countless camping trips they took together. She especially loved spending time at their cabin on Beauty Lake in Minnesota, fishing for walleye, which she was able to enjoy in her later years. Evelyn loved to bake everything from homemade cinnamon rolls to chocolate fudge. Her pecan pie has become quite famous among those who have been lucky enough to enjoy a slice. Evelyn, lived by the words of Jesus when he said, 'Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Donating her time and energy to those less fortunate Evelyn was active in church outreaches as well as benevolent ministries. Everyone who had an opportunity to go to garage sales with her knew that she was quite a bargain hunter and would often buy multiple strollers, coffee pots, quilts and such then when she heard of someone in need would give to them generously. Evelyn also enjoyed singing and had a lovely voice. She spent many years singing in choirs but the lullabies she sang to her grandchildren were the sweetest songs of all. She also expressed her artistic talent in her drawings and the countless poems she wrote through her lifetime. Though her family will dearly miss her, we all know she now is finally at home in the presence of her Lord and Savior. Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Russell; her parents Lawrence and Cora Perkins; two brothers, Gerald and Donald and three sisters; Betty, Dorothy and Ardith. Survivors include her brother Larry Perkins of Carencro, LA; six sons, Gary (Lorraine) McDowell of Mt. Vernon, Washington; Mark (Betsy) McDowell of St. Paul Minnesota; Scott (Beverly) McDowell of Hibbing, MN; Bob (Dina) McDowell, Kevin (Susan) McDowell, Pat (Arlene) McDowell all of Lafayette, LA and two daughters, Sherry (John) Lewis of Truckee, CA and Susan (Robert 'Bubba') Patin, of Lafayette, LA; fifteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. At the family's request, visiting hours will be observed on Saturday April 3, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Internment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN Personal condolences may be sent to the McDowell family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com Delhomme Funeral Home, 1101 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA (337) 235-9449, is in charge of the arrangements in Lafayette, LA.

Evelyn Opal Mcdowell

September 27, 1921 - March 30, 2010