Long time Yuma resident, Bill Dowdle, passed away on 16 January 2016. Bill is preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jennie Dowdle; son, Mark; parents, Willie C and Lena Dowdle; siblings, Delores, Sue, Jackie, and Zack. He is survived by his sister Linda (Mike) Oliver of Daphne, AL; daughter, Denise (Gary) Haines, son Zack (Vera) and grandchildren, Mark and Bailey Haines and Megan, Emily and Ben Dowdle. Bill was born on 29 April 1937 in Union, MS and was raised in Mobile, AL. He proudly served as a career Marine, joining the Corps on 17 May 1954 at the age of 17 and retiring on 28 February 1975. During his Marine Corps career, Bill completed two tours in Vietnam and was graciously awarded various medals including the Navy Commendation with Valor. At the time, he was one of the youngest Marines to ever achieve the rank of Master Gunnery Sergeant (MGySgt) at the age of 35. After retiring from the USMC in 1975 and settling in Yuma with his family, Bill worked for B.F. Goodrich and Braden Machinery and remained very active in the Yuma community. He served as President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 392, Rotary Club of Antelope, Yuma Bowling Association, Immaculate Conception School PTA and served as a 9-year member of the Yuma Regional Medical Center Board. His passion and love for animals also led him to consistently volunteer at the local Humane Society. When Bill fully retired from civilian life, he and his wife, Jennie, continued traveling the world, following their children wherever they settled. They made every effort as grandparents to ensure they would be active in the lives of their grandchildren. Family was always a priority for Bill especially when it came to his wife. Their life together has always been seen as a storybook tale. Bill first met Jennie on 3 June 1960 at a local VFW dance in Yuma, and from the minute he met her he knew she was the one. Twelve days later, they were married on 15 June 1960. It was the wedding of the year. They both came from completely different cultures and background, but their love endured despite the differences. They spent over 55 beautiful years together raising three children, traveling the world, and dealing with the hardships of war and the early death of their oldest son. It has often been said that you can die of a broken heart. The death of Bill is a true testament to this statement and to his love and devotion to his late wife. His beautiful wife, Jennie died 13 December 2015 and a month later, he went to be with her. We pray that we honor their legacy and pass on their love and commitment to the generations that follow. May they rest eternally in peace together. Pallbearers: Gary Haines, Scott Henry, Todd Henry, Dave Henry, Robert Torres, CDR James Blasko USN(Ret), Gerald Casares, and Richard SealeHonorary Pallbearers: Adolph, Rudy, Danny and Gilbert Garcia, Philip Rojas, and Gilbert Lara A private viewing for family will be at Johnson Mortuary on Thursday, 21 January at 6:30-7:30 pm. The Mass celebrating his life will be Friday, 22 January, at 10:30 am at Immaculate Conception Church, 505 S. Avenue B, Yuma, AZ, followed by a military burial at Desert Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Humane Society of Yuma in honor of Bill & Jennie Dowdle. Please mail all donations to Humane Society of Yuma, 4050 S Avenue 4 1/2 E, Yuma, AZ 85365, www.hsoyuma.com