John Dowd 1948-2026

John Henry “Hank” Dowd Sr., 77, of Holton, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Midland Hospice House in Topeka, with family by his side.

He was born May 22, 1948, in Hutchinson, the son of Chauncey Otto Sr. and Mary Jane (Craig) Dowd.

John attended Frankfort High School. He worked for many years at Andrews Asphalt as a heavy equipment operator. He was a member of Local 101.

John married Wilma Marie Chiles on May 31, 1967. She preceded him in death on Aug. 8, 2024, after 57 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Chauncey and Mary Dowd; five sisters, Betty Dowd, Josephine Benteman, Shirley Smith, Clara Jeffries and Kathryn Dowd; and two brothers, George and Chauncey Dowd.

Survivors include his son, John H. Dowd (Donella) of Topeka; his daughter, Marsha R. Dowd of Holton; a sister, Sharon Singleton (Butch) of Blue Rapids; four grandchildren, Ciera Abdelmalek (Tadros), Breanna Pfannenstiel (Kyle), Emma Patterson (Kyle) and Libbie Lytle; and eight great-grandchildren.

John will lie in state from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Family will greet friends from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 8 at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, March 9 at the Frankfort Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Midland Care Hospice, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com

(PAID OBITUARY)