Leland Russell McDowell, age 90, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away on Sunday, April 3, 2016, at Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital in St. Louis. He was born in Venice, Illinois on August 11, 1925, son of the late Fred and Gladys (Stewart) McDowell.

Leland lived his early years during the Great Depression Era. He lived and attended school in Dixon before joining the Merchant Marines during WWII. During the war he served for 32 months on various ships, until his honorable discharge. After returning from the war he married Paralee Maxine Fike on July 20, 1946, and then moved to Collinsville, Illinois where he lived until his death.

After 22 years of employment, Leland retired from S.C.I. Metals of Madison, Illinois in 1987. He was a former member of Collinsville, IL JC's # 5691, life member of Collinsville VFW, and member of Meadow Heights Baptist Church.

His love of life other than his family was fishing, hunting, and playing cards with friends.

He thanks God that he lived so long and was blessed in many ways, such as being loved and cared for by his family.

He is survived by four sons, Larry D. McDowell and wife Nancy, Dennis K. McDowell and wife Mary, Richard L. McDowell and wife Mary Ann and Russell R. McDowell; four grandchildren, Aaron McDowell and wife Michal, Matthew McDowell, Mandy McDowell, and Jennifer McDowell; two great-grandchildren, Gabriel McDowell and Drew McDowell; and several nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Paralee McDowell, on October 10, 2015, his parents, Fred and Gladys McDowell, one sister, Loraine, and five brothers, Hershel, Donald, Garland, Dale, and Cecil.

Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 8, 2016, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia. Pastor Dennis McDowell will officiate. Interment with military honors will be in Livingston Cemetery near Iberia.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 7, at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Livingston Cemetery.