John Tyler Mcdowell

JOHN TYLER MCDOWELL EDINBURG — On June 26, 1954, in Jonesboro, Louisiana John Tyler McDowell Sr. and Mae Ola Moore gave birth to a son. They named him John Tyler Jr. John was the first of five children born to this union. McDowell soared as a basketball player and after starring for two years at Temple Junior College, the 6-5 forward, joined the Broncs and head coach Abe Lemons for the 1974-75 and 75-76 seasons, during which time he led the Broncs to records of 22-2 and 20-5 respectively. McDowell hit 55.8% of his field goal attempts as a junior, the eighth best single-season field goal percentage in program history. He was No. 12 in the nation in rebounding as a senior, averaging 12.2 per game. Upon earning his bachelor's degree in business management with a minor in computer science, McDowell became a graduate assistant for the Pan American athletic department while earning his master's degree in counseling and guidance. He then became the first and only head coach of the softball team (1977-81), as well as the first head coach of the women's basketball team (1977-86). McDowell led the women's basketball team to a winning season, going 10-5 in 1982-83, as well as the NAIA Division II Playoffs twice. The Broncs' second playoff appearance came during the 1984-85 season, when Becky Dube led the nation in scoring at 28.4 points per game. McDowell also presided over the Broncs' first season at the NCAA Division I level in 1985-86. While coaching those teams, McDowell also served as an academic counselor for student-athletes and the assistant director of intramurals. After softball was dropped, McDowell became an instructor in the Department of Health and Physical Education, teaching two softball courses. McDowell then served as a full-time assistant coach for the men's basketball team during the 1986-87 season under head coach Kevin Wall. For twenty three years, John Tyler McDowell held the position as school counselor at Jose De Escandon Elementary in La Joya I.S.D. John McDowell was the pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church for fifteen years. He is preceded in death by his parents, John Tyler and Mae Ola McDowell, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memories his wife, Janice; son, Angelo; daughter, Shae Rene; one brother, Derek "Rock" McDowell; three sisters, Pearline McDowell, Leela McDowell, and Yvonne McDowell; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends. Visitation will be from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 7 p.m. prayer service today, June 3, 2012, at Memorial Funeral Home, 208 E. Canton in Edinburg. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 4, 2012, at Memorial Funeral Home