FRANKLIN
David William Dowden, 82, of Franklin, Indiana passed away May 11, 2021. He was born in Beech Grove on October 23, 1938. Dave graduated from Southport High School in 1956. He married Nancy Ann (Gray) Dowden June 6, 1959.
Dave is survived in life by his loving wife of sixty-two years Nancy Dowden, his twin daughters Deena and Joe Kelly (Franklin) and Teena and Rick Roland (Bargersville), his three granddaughters, Audrey Rairdon, Kate Kelly, and Natalie Rairdon, his sister Judy Rogers, nieces and nephews Anna Loftis, Tim Hubbell and Todd Hubbell, and several other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his son, Nick Dowden, his mother, Dorothy Dowden, his father, Frank Dowden, and his sisters Doris Hubbell and Helen Sims.
Dave has worked many jobs throughout his life starting with the milk route alongside his father. He worked hard for many years on the railroad and took pride in being a 9 year veteran of the National Guard. He is most popularly known for being a local real estate developer and owned and operated Lancer Reality for more than 50 years. Dowden was celebrated for his development of Commerce Park Drive and Northpointe Subdivision. Real estate however was not the only business Dowden started. He ventured into D&A Market, The Stop Light Game Room, The Franklin Health Club, and Nick’s Hook and Bullet which was run by his son Nick. He shared that love of self-employment with his children and grandchildren who he recently helped open Under One Woof, a pet boarding kennel in Franklin, Indiana.
Later in life Dave’s true passion has been spending precious time with his family and having laughs with friends. Every Monday night for many, many years Dave has played cards alongside his life-long friends with whom he also went on numerous Colorado Ski trips with. Dave loved that he had the ability to take his family on trips and loved nothing more than to take them to Disney World. Those who knew Dave describe him as being a hardworking man, generous to those around him, and someone who loved to crack jokes. He will certainly be missed by everyone.
All are welcome to attend and celebrate Dave’s life on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 2pm at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 N. Morton Street (U.S. 31) in Franklin. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of service at 2:00p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin. Friends are encouraged to join the family after the burial at the Franklin Elks Lodge.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Franklin Elks, Lodge No. 1818, Cancer Research Fund at 56 E. Jefferson Street Franklin, Indiana 46131.
Online condolences and other expressions of kindness are appreciated at www.flinnmaguire.net
