Sammy L. Dowden, 86, died at the Jennings American Legion Hospital on Monday, June 24, 2019.
He was born in Florien. He served for three years in the U.S. Army in Korea during the Korean War. He also served in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years, with two tours of duty in Vietnam. He was as Master Mason with 56 1/2 years of service and was a member and Past Master of Calcasieu Lodge Number 400 F&AM. He was a York Rite Mason as a member of the Cooper Royal Arch Chapter and Council, in Pleasanton, Texas, and a member of the Habibi Shrine. During the last three years of his life, he resided at the Southwest Louisiana Veterans Home in Jennings, where he was known as the Candyman as he enjoyed passing out peppermints to the other residents, visitors, and to the staff of the Veteran’s Home.
Survivors include his son, Danny L. Dowden and daughter-in-law Jackie of Ragley; two grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Dawson Ivy Dowden of Clarksville, Iowa; and a sister, Elizabeth Ruth Wiggins of Beaumont, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doris Barnhill Dowden; parents, Furman and Mavis Dowden; and three brothers.
His funeral service will be held at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff on Wednesday, July 3, at 10 a.m. Bishop Rob Stott will officiate. A graveside service and military honors will be held at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Robeline at 2 p.m.
Visitation will continue Wednesday at the funeral home from 9 a.m. until the start of the service.
