House Resolution 107

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ROBERT EARL DOW, SR., AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in Ecclesiastes 3:1 that "To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, on Monday, February 13, 2023, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Mr. Robert Earl Dow, Sr., to eternal rest, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family, friends and community; and

WHEREAS, born on September 19, 1931, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Mr. John and Mrs. Eddie Smith Dow, Mr. Dow was the youngest of 10 siblings, and grew up attending College Hill Baptist Church with his family, and after he became an adult, he converted to Christ and was baptized at College Hill on June 18, 1961; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dow loved life, the Lord, his church, his pastors, the brethren, and the sisters, and he served as a committed member of the Laymen Ministry, Outreach Ministry, Mass Choir and Male Chorus, and he also faithfully served as a member of the maintenance team, repairing, painting, and decorating; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dow met Ms. Malena Winfrey in February 1954, and six months later, they united in holy matrimony on August 3, 1954, and God blessed this union of 68 years and six months with two sons, Robert, Jr., and Broderick; three grandchildren, Aaron Robert, Brigitte Diane and Robyn Danielle; and two great-grandchildren, Eden and Ethan; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dow attended Jackson Public Schools and Jackson State College Trade School, where he became proficient in brick masonry, concrete finishing, carpentry and painting, and he was also a veteran of the Korean Conflict, and was employed by Presto Manufacturing Company as a machinist/mechanic, and he retired after 38 years with the company; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dow loved sports, watching movies, reading newspapers, exploring and repairing, and his favorite pastime included gardening plants, flowers, vegetables and shrubbery, and feeding and watching the fish and birds; and

WHEREAS, gifted and multi-talented, Mr. Dow was an inspiration to his family and friends, and he was blessed with an iron-clad memory, a keen sense of humor, and a strong work ethic, and with his heart of service for others, he sought to serve wherever needed; and

WHEREAS, outstandingly, Mr. Dow was honored as College Hill Personality of the Month in October 2000, and Man of the Year in 2001; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, such as his parents, Mr. John and Mrs. Eddie Smith Dow; five sisters, Amanda Allen, Cornelia Cantrell, Laura Lee Thomas, Marguerite McKinney and Katherine Lee; and four brothers, John Jr., Willie Charles, Joseph and James; the legacy of Mr. Dow's indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his loved ones, including his loving wife, Malena; sons, Robert Jr., and Broderick; grandchildren, Aaron Robert Miller, Brigitte, and Robyn; great-grandchildren, Eden and Ethan Miller; brother-in-law, Ishmael Winfrey; and a host of nieces, nephews, countless cousins, other relatives, his College Hill Family and dear friends; and

WHEREAS, Mr. Dow will forever be loved, cherished and missed by all who knew him, and since it is written in 2 Corinthians 5:8, that to be "absent from the body is to be present with the Lord," his family and friends can find peace and comfort during this difficult time; and

WHEREAS, a genuine man of exceptional character, Mr. Dow's outstanding legacy will continue for generations to come, and precious memories of time spent with him will hopefully continue to provide warmth, peace and comfort to his loved ones; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the lives of great Mississippians, especially those such as Mr. Dow, a wonderful man whose life's light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and honor the life and legacy of Mr. Robert Earl Dow, Sr., and express deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Robert Earl Dow, Sr., and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.