Theodore (Ted) Patrick Dowdell 93 of Elyria passed away Wednesday March 9, 2016 at the Welcome Nursing Home in Oberlin with family by his side. He was born October 4 , 1922 in Elyria, and was a graduate of Elyria High School.Ted worked for Timms Springs as a toolmaker for 40 yrs. He and his wife and partner Bonnie Jean , also owned and operated T.P. Dowdell Realty in Elyria. He was a member of St. Agnes Church , VFW post # 1079 , American Legion , National Rifle Assn. , Ohio Right to Life , "Kitchen Cuties" , Senior song and dance troupe , Big Brothers & Sisters. Ted served his Country in the U.S. Coast Guard during WWII. He served his community as Cub Scout Master of Troop 133 in Elyria. In 2003 he completed a 2,000 mile , 100 day raft trip from West Va. To New Orleans to raise awareness and donations for ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) , he turned 81 while on the trip. The love of his life and wife , Bonnie Jean succumbed to ALS in 1998. In 2012 Ted was the first recipient of the "School Based, Mentor of the Year Award" from the Lorain County Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Lorain County. He was a prolific writer of "Letters to the Editor" to the Chronicle Telegram , frequently espousing his pro-life and pro 2nd Amendment principles. He was a devoted and beloved husband , father , grandfather , great-grandfather , brother, uncle and devout Catholic. Survivors include his daughter Kathy Dowdell (Doug Buchanon) of Colorado Springs , sons Theodore J. of Elyria , James (Debbie ) of Grafton , 10 grandchildren , 14 great-grandchildren , and brother John. He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie Jean Dowdell (nee Schmitz) , parents John and Lillian (nee Seabold) , son Robert (Eva) , sisters Lillian (Bob) Walker , Agnes (Ed) Krystowski , Rose (Bill) Schwinn , Pat (Sr. Rita Therese SND) , brothers Bernard and Richard. Family will receive friends 4-7 PM Sunday March 13, 2016 at the Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home and Cremation Service 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at St. Rt. 57) Elyria. 440-322-4626. Mass of Christian Burial 10 AM Monday March 14, 2016 at St. Agnes 611 Lake Ave. Elyria, Oh. 44035 , (PLEASE MEET AT CHURCH), following mass full military honors will be provided by VFW post # 1079. Rev. Fr. Albert Veigas pastor will be the Celebrant. Burial Private. Online condolences may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com