JOSEPH GUY McDOWELL
May 17, 1960 – April 2, 2024
Bakersfield – Joseph Guy McDowell, better known to many as Joe, was known for his great sense of humor and his love for practical jokes that made people laugh. He was born on May 17th, 1960 at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital to Dorothy (Dot) and Winford (Wimpy) McDowell. His parents owned and operated Lamb Wireline Service, and Joe began working there at the age of 15 until he started his own wireline business in 1997. Joe's family was deeply rooted in the oilfield industry in Bakersfield, and his family were all well-known members of the oilfield community.
Joe unexpectedly passed away on April 2, 2024, at the age of 63. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy (Dot) McDowell in 1998 and Winford (Wimpy) McDowell in 1999, his brother Larry Ray McDowell, half-brother Chester Doyle Huffman, and half-sister Margaret Elaine Strickland. Joe is survived by his wife Silvia McDowell, his stepchildren Maria Leonor Dominguez, Maria Concepcion Dominguez, and Jose Daniel Dominguez, his former wife Brenda Carter and their children: Debra Stone (Tim), Stacy Beeney (Chad), and Terrisa McDowell. Joe was also blessed with nine grandchildren: Austin, Logan, Hoyt, David, Wayde, Skylar, Jett, Lanie, and Mia, and a greatgrandchild due in May.
Joe attended the Rosedale School District from primary school through 8th grade. He then attended North High School, graduating in 1978. He and his brother Larry were said to drag race during their lunch breaks behind North High School, with Larry driving a Nissan 280 Z and Joe racing his dad's El Camino. Joe was a regular at Regency Bowling Lanes, he spent many nights in bowling leagues. Joe and his family started archery in the late 80s with Kern River Archers. Joe's other hobbies included hunting for trophy-sized elk, whitetail deer, bear, or just about anything that he could hunt. He also loved going to Vegas, where he could be found sitting in front of a Flaming 7's slot machine.
Joe worked at Lamb Wireline Service for over 20 years before starting his own business in 1997 with his former wife, Bakersfield Wire Rope and Rigging. His eldest daughter, Debbie, also joined the family business, where she worked and learned the oilfield business alongside her dad for many years. After selling the business and going through a divorce, he retired from the oilfields and started working at 3-Way Chevrolet. He then met his wife Silvia through a coworker and they fell in love. They were married on March 29, 2014 and Joe dedicated himself to caring for Silvia while she in turn took care of him. Together, Joe and Silvia supported Leonor, Maria, and Dani throughout their school years and beyond. They spent many weekends with family and friends in the pool, creating many wonderful memories. When Baby Mia was born, Joe was overjoyed and felt blessed to have such a loving family. In the last few months of his life, Joe discovered a new hobby and developed a love for plants. He enjoyed growing fresh vegetables and planted various fruit trees in his backyard. Joe spent many hours planting, potting, watering, and caring for his plants, finding it to be a rewarding and fulfilling activity.
Joe will be missed by many and forgotten by none. We love you, dad!
Joe's family will honor his wishes with a cremation. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date to commemorate his memory.