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On the morning of June 8th, 2025, just shy of his 71st birthday, Paul Jesse McDowell passed peacefully from this world into the arms of his Savior. He left behind a legacy of quiet strength, deep love, and a testimony of redemption that touched more lives than he ever knew.
Born in Woodward, Oklahoma, on June 17, 1954, to Guy and Argene McDowell, Paul was the baby of eight siblings; a fact he rarely let anyone forget and often used to his advantage. He grew up in a home filled with hard work, loud laughter, and strong faith, values that carried him through every chapter of his life.
Paul married the love of his life, Joyce Marie (Moles) McDowell, with whom he built a family rooted in love, grace, and a good bit of mischief along the way. Together, they raised four children. Three daughters; Candace, Clairissa Lynn, and Terri and one son, Christopher Jay McDowell, who preceded him in death and who he longed to see again in heaven.
He was a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren include DJ and Allison Henderson and their sons, Carter and Logan; Damon and Makela Robinson and their four sons, Kyce, Silas, Edison, and Alek; Kaylon Greer, Anissa Mitchell, Ryly Mitchell, and Zayne Greer.
His beloved fur babies Otis, Leo, and Shadow were a constant source of comfort, companionship, and dog hair.
Paul’s life was filled with both struggle and triumph. He spent many years working in the oil field before facing his battle with alcoholism. In 1987, by the grace of God, he found sobriety. That marked the beginning of a new chapter. He returned to school, earned his undergraduate degree in social work, and then went on to seminary, where he received his Master of Divinity. During that time, he served as a student pastor and later became an ordained elder in the Methodist Church.
Paul served many congregations with humility, a sharp wit, and a heart for the broken. He didn’t preach at people; he walked beside them. He ministered not from a pedestal, but from the trenches of real life, often saying, “what I got, you got”, “you’re my superhero”, and “it’ll be okay.” And when he said it, you believed him.
He was a man of many talents. He crafted beautiful jewelry, most of which was gifted to family members he loved dearly. His passion for silversmithing started when he built his own oak workbench in college; a piece still used and admired today. His backyard shop was his sanctuary, and even in his final days, his biggest concern was getting back to that little haven to tidy some projects up.
He also had a quiet gift for writing; his words had a way of reaching right into the soul. But Paul would never call himself a writer. In fact, he rarely took credit for anything. He was humble to the core, always convinced he was “just a guy,” never realizing the profound impact he had on so many.
Paul’s love knew no bounds. He gave grace freely and didn’t have a judgmental bone in his body. He could argue passionately on matters dear to him, but at the end of the day his heart was always soft. He had a way of making people feel seen, safe, and loved. If you needed encouragement, a laugh, or a reminder that life wasn’t over yet, you called Paul. And he always answered.
He was never too busy to cheer on a grandchild at a game, take his boys hunting, make a trip with a great-grandson to Nocona, Texas, for a “big boy baseball glove” or to just be there. Those memories will live forever in the hearts of his boys- just like he will.
He served the Lord not just from the pulpit, but through action. He organized toy drives, started Celebrate Recovery programs, volunteered at Cross Point Camp where he was known as “River Rat”, helped with local elections, mended fences (literally), and always stood up for the little guy. If something needed doing and it would help someone else, Paul was there on the frontlines without fail.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Guy and Argene; his son, Christopher; his siblings Elaine, Donald, Guyla, Earl, and David; and several beloved pets that surely greeted him at heaven’s gates.
He is survived by his loving wife Joyce, his children; Candace and Dow Henderson of Kingston, Oklahoma, Clairissa Lynn Mitchell of Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and Terri and Richard Greer of Kingston, Oklahoma, his grandchildren and great grandchildren, his brothers Joe and Jay, and a gaggle of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church family, and more spiritual children than he could count. His reach was wide, and his impact eternal.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:30 PM on June 28, 2025, at Cross Point Camp in Kingston, Oklahoma. Weather permitting, we’ll gather at the cross overlooking the lake; just the way he would’ve wanted. If it rains, we’ll move to the tabernacle.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions to the memorial fund
established in honor of Paul. These gifts will help cover final expenses and
support a lasting tribute to him at CrossPoint United Methodist Campground,
a place that held deep meaning in his life. Contributions may be made to:
First United Bank or
https://givebutter.com/pauljmcdowell
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers, family, friends, and hospital staff who stood with him and with us in his final days. Your kindness will never be forgotten.
And if Paul were here now, he’d throw up that "I love you" hand sign, give you a crooked grin, and say with full confidence: “It’ll be okay.”
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