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A "drive-by" celebration to honor Ernest "Ernie" L Dowler's 90th birthday will be held 11 a.m.-noon Saturday, Nov. 6.
Ernie and wife Eva will be sitting outside in front of 6720 Harris Highway (Dowler's Supply). Due to COVID-19 precautions, the family requests no "out of car" close contact with well-wishers.
A table will be setup for a card drop-off. All are welcome.
Ernest was born in Rhodes, Ohio, on Nov. 5, 1931, the son of Ray and Gwendolyn Dowler. He graduated from Parkersburg High School in 1952, then enlisted in the Navy in 1952. While in the Navy, he quickly rose to Electrician First Class, serving aboard the Essex-class aircraft carrier USS Leyte.
After serving 4 years in the Navy, Ernest worked for 35 years at the Dupont de Nemours Washington Works plant, retiring in 1991 as an operator in the Teflon Division. Since then, he has remained active in farming and gardening, as well as running Dowler's Supply, a business providing wood and gas stoves for residential uses, which he still operates today.
Ernest and Eva are long-time members of the Hopewell Church of Christ. Ernest and Eva enjoy spending time with their family.
They have three children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Their family includes daughter Leslie Townsend of Washington, W.Va., her children Andrew Townsend and wife Abbie of Little Rock, Ark., Allie Townsend of Morgantown and Alex Townsend of Fairmont.
Son Brian Dowler and wife Cathy live in Cranberry Township, Pa., and their children Ashley Jang and husband Munsoo of Opelika, Ala., daughter Novasiah, son Jacob Dowler of Nashville, Tenn., and son Joshua Dowler and wife Neely of Jacksonville, Fla., and their children Elijah and Emerson.
Daughter Hope Britton and husband Kevin Britton of Washington, W.Va., and their children, including David Britton and wife Eileen of Woodstock, Ill., and their daughter Elizabeth.
The family thanks in advance for honoring Ernest, either by driving by and wishing him well, or by sending a card to Ernest Dowler, 6730 Harris Highway, Washington, WV 26181.