Joseph Coleman McDowell Sr. (J.C.) passed away peacefully with family at his side on May 22, 2012. J.C. was born in Elkhart, Texas on Oct. 16, 1934 to Joseph Edward and Lucille Watkins McDowell. He lived in Elkhart until he graduated High School in 1952, after which he attended college at East Texas State. Upon graduation, he entered the United States Air Force on June 14, 1956 and remained until his honorable discharge on Dec. 31, 1976 as a Lt. Colonel.. On Dec. 22, 1956, J.C. married Jan Woodard of Palestine, Texas at the First United Methodist Church of Palestine. During their marriage, J.C. was in the Air Force for 21 years and they lived in Georgia, Germany, Maryland, Virginia and finally in Austin, Texas.. While serving his country in the U.S.A.F., J.C. was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service from May 5, 1970 - May 5, 1971 while serving in South East Asia; the Meritorious Service Medal for outstanding service from March 28, 1967 to April 13, 1970 while serving in Fort Lee, Virginia and the Air Force Commendation Medal for meritorious service from Aug. 5, 1963 to May 14,1966 while serving in Maryland. Other medals awarded to J.C. throughout his military career include Distinguished Cadet R.O.T.C, Combat Readiness and National Defense Service Medal, among others.. In 1973, J.C. founded Elite Pools of Austin, a name that honored Jan's family's business in Palestine, Texas -- Elite Cleaners. J.C. led Elite Pools for 27 years before selling it to his protégé, Randy Herzog, who had worked with him for 24 years. It was J.C.'s work ethic at Elite Pools that exemplified to Cole (Valdosta, Georgia 1958) and Duke (Wurzburg, Germany 1961) that diligence, dedication and integrity were essential components to success in business and life.. J.C. was preceded in death by his faithful wife of 53 years and 11 months and survived by two sons, Cole McDowell of Flower Mound, Texas, and his three children, Joe (20), Sarah (19) and Rebecca (17); Duke McDowell of Dripping Springs, Texas, his wife Angie and their two children, Will (16) and Lindsey (13).. The family will receive friends from 9 to 10 a.m., Friday, May 25, 2012. Services will start at 10 a.m., at Harrell Funeral Home (4435 Frontier Trail) in Austin, Texas with a private burial at Land of Memory, in Palestine, Texas.. For those unable to attend services you may sign the guestbook at www.harrellfuneralhomes.com.