Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory

A Time to Be Born: I, John Scott Dowd (age 80), born June 1, 1944, at Freedman Hospital (Howard University Hospital) in Washington, D.C., was the youngest of two children, to the late Cleo Dowd and Hallie Ruth Dowd (Penick).

A Time to Die: If you are reading this – it means my time here on earth has expired, and I finished my course on April 19, 2025. God called me home to rest with my dad, mom, my sister and a host of other family and friends. I have kept my faith and so know I am truly at peace.

A Time to Grow: I received my formal education from the District of Columbia Public School System in Washington, D.C and graduated from McKinley Technical High School Class of 1962. I participated in the Civil Air Patrol program. Hard work was within the fabric of my being and served in many capacities in the work environment as a paper boy, delivering Washington Post newspapers and later pursuing a career in the federal government in 1964. I began my career as a Clerk Assistant at the United States Government Printing Office (GPO) and later advanced as a night crew Foreman. In June 2000, after 36 years I retired as a civil service employee and later worked part-time with the Sports and Learning Center, serving in an administrative capacity.

During my federal government career and part-time position, GPO formed an adult baseball and basketball team called the Astros, of which I was an Administrative Assistant and Treasurer. I joined the Knights of Columbus in April 1995 and received several accolades such as Sir Knight, Deputy Grand Knight, and Grand Knight, under the auspices of Bishop Patrick J. Byrne Council 3877. I also was a Fourth Degree Assembly Member under Council 2534. Bowling was one of my passions and I joined a Bowling League in 1995, where I received several bowling trophies as most improved bowler, among other accolades.

 A Time to Love: In 1965, I married my sweetheart, Delores Faye Davis and through our union we were blessed with three children, two daughters, Tonja Denise, Tammi Vernell and son, Theodore ‘Ted’ Scott. 

I married M. Katherine ‘Kathy’ Harris January 2, 1987. Kathy and I celebrated 29 years of marriage until her passing October 16, 2016. 

A Time to Laugh and Dance: Family was one of my highlights and I enjoyed cooking out/BBQ’ing, fishing, island cruising (the Bahamas was one of his favorites), and hosting family functions. I enjoyed a good two-step and hitting the dance floor to “Oldies but Goodies” music. The Washington Commanders (formerly Redskins) was my absolute favorite NFL Football team. I loved to watch the Washington (Redskins) Commanders, kick butt and referred to them as, “America’s Team.” I was the light of the party with my quick and witty humor. I had several favorite sayings and when someone would ask, “You know what”, I would reply, “No, I’ve never met him” or “Are you sure?” “Nope, I’m John” and my other favorite was, “How you feel?” I would reply with hand gestures were common followed by, “A little like this and a little like that.” My children would get a kick out of it every time. Although family was my life, my other passion was my belief in God. Following Biblical principles, I showed compassion to everyone and virtually helped anyone in need. I had a heart after God.

A Time of Peace: While it’s time to say goodbye to those I love, I am blessed to have lived such a full life. Though my time on earth has come to an end, I hope my family and friends continue pushing forward together. Each moment matters, so make it count! I want all of you to keep smiling and thinking of me, especially as you are watching football games and cheering on my favorite team, Washington (Redskins) Commanders, at family gatherings, annual cookouts and so much more!

My Joy: I left a familial legacy of six grandchildren: Sean, DeMarcus ‘Marcus’, DaRon, Derrick ‘Dee’, Quentin ‘Que’ and my one and only granddaughter, Tanesha ‘NeeNee’ (Nakiha) as well as nine great-grandchildren, Jada, Markiea, Shamari, Zamir, Mason, Kenzie, Carter, Josiah, and Kenzo. 

A Time to Mourn: I was preceded in death by my parents, Cleo Dowd and Hallie Ruth Dowd, one sister Delores Marie (Dowd) Greenhow and two wives Delores Davis Dowd and M. Katherine (Harris) Dowd. I leave my beloved and devoted children to cherish my memories. I am survived by my two daughters, Tonja Johnson, Tammi Daniels (Jason), Theodore ‘Ted’ Dowd (Kathy); six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister-in-love Shirley Olhaye; one brother-in-love John Davis Jr and a beloved best friend, brother from another mother, Maurice Gregg. My warmth, kindness, witty humor, and loving spirit will be fondly remembered and missed by a host of loving nieces, church members, Knights of Columbus’ community and my extended family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to John's Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, May 9, 2025 at 11 A.M. at St. Columba Catholic Church,  7804 Livingston Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745. Internment to follow at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 Bladensburg Rd, Brentwood, MD 20722

John Scott Dowd

John Scott Dowd

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