Milburn O'Dowd

Milburn Martin "Mike" O'Dowd Jr., passed away suddenly at his residence of heart failure Feb. 21, 2010.

Graveside services with military honors will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010 at Oakwood Cemetery with the Dr. Jimmie Johnson officiating.

Mike was born Dec. 10, 1944, in Waco, Texas, to Milburn Martin "Mickey" and Mary Alice Reaves O'Dowd, Sr. He grew up in Speegleville on the family farm. Mike graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Business Degree and then went on to earn his Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1969. While at the University of Texas, he was a member of the Chi Phi fraternity.

Mike attained the rank of Captain while serving in the United States Army during the Viet-Nam War and received the Bronze Star. His nickname while in the Army was "Rascal."

Mike practiced law for over 40 years in Waco and was a life member of Gurley Lodge #337, A.F. & A.M. and was a 32nd degree Mason.

He was a Shriner, a member of the Sons of the Republic of Texas and was very proud to be a second generation Native Texan. Mike also served in the Texas State Guard where he attained the rank of Major.

Mike married Janet Neathery Sept. 29, 1979 in Dallas. He was a longtime volunteer in many civic, historic, and cultural activities in Waco. Fishing, billiards, performing magic tricks and repairing antiques were just a few of his hobbies and he loved listening to country music.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Janet O'Dowd of Waco; daughter and son-in-law, Meredith O'Dowd and Anthony Kosse of Bedford; brothers-in-law, James "Jay" Neathery and Wesley Neathery, both of Dallas; aunt, Judy Reaves of Waco; and cousin, Walter "Skip" Reaves and his family of West, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Jay Neathery, Wesley Neathery, Anthony Kosse and Joe Layman.

Honorary pallbearers will be Leon Chaney and Russell Murdoch.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.