Wednesday, November 9, 2016 was a dismal day for the extended family of Charles "Chuck" Sean McDowell, when they learned the news of his untimely death, which took place in his Soda Springs, Idaho home, on Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Chuck was much loved by his entire family and will be remembered mostly as the kind, loving and thoughtful man he was, as well as being a devoted and doting father and grandfather.

Chuck is survived by his loving partner, Kathy Schneider (Soda Springs); his son, Chris McDowell (Melissa), Soda Springs, his daughter, Jessie McDowell (Chad Blankenbaker) Soda Springs; parents, Donald B. McDowell, of Long Beach, Washington and Sonya F. Hicks (Walt), of Kaileau Kona, Hawaii; and his grandchildren: Ava, Reese, Tripp, Anthony Bernal, Nathalie Asuyo and Ethan Asuyo. By his brothers and sisters: Terre A. Hardman, Mary E. Purpari, Shelly A. Spencer, JoAnne Cain, Michael M. McDowell, Donald J. McDowell, Gerald J. McDowell, Kelley Buttars, Billie J. Shine, Orrine H. Gray, Ginger McDowell, Marie Justice, and Ericka Schneider; and other notable family, Bonita Hobson McDowell and all of his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Gwen McDowell.

Chuck served our country in the United States Marine Corp, first as an accountant and later as a special forensic agent serving our government in a number of important ways. After leaving the corp, he and his family moved first to Logan, UT., then later to Malad, ID., and ultimately to Soda Springs, ID.

It's easy to say that Chuck was well known from early on to be a habitual line crosser. A lot of things that happened to him could have been because he had a number of older brothers and sisters who were more than happy to goad him on in his "endeavors", but he really didn't need their encouragement, because he had enough grit and energy to move on his own. As a result, he was also more than just a little accident prone… Chuck was an avid hunter, fisherman, skydiver, scuba diver, cliff diver, carpenter, camper, photographer, air brush artist- clearly a hobbyist, and he wore a scar to match every one of them.

Chuck was a devoted grandfather, who cared deeply for his young grandchildren. He loved painting with his oldest granddaughter and taught her new techniques to paint a tree. He looked forward to Wednesday afternoons when he cared for his youngest granddaughter, teaching her the alphabet, playing in the yard, taking walks and their favorite; watching the garbage man pick up the garbage. He always talked about teaching his grandson to hunt and couldn't wait until he came of age.

SOME accused Chuck of being a "Crazy Cat Lady"; an unlikely connection between Chuck and his much adored "evil" cats.

His family and friends loved him dearly and will miss him so much.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Sims Funeral Home in Soda Springs with Military Honors to follow.