Lee Ernest Dow, Jr.

Lee Ernest “Ernie” “Big Ern” Dow, Jr., 73, of Sedalia, died Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at Bothwell Regional Health Center.

He was born March 23, 1943, in Sedalia, son of Lee Ernest Dow Sr. and Esther Matilda Mittelhauser Dow.

Ernie was a 1961 graduate of Smith-Cotton High School, where he played under the legendary Ralph “Stub” Dow. He was drafted in to the Army and served two years. He earned a B.S. in Education from Central Missouri State University.

He coached and taught at Carrollton High School and Northwest High School for many years. More recently he worked at Town & Country Motors, from where he retired. Ernie was an umpire and referee for softball, football and basketball for many years, and was well known for his traveling call.

Ernie was a member of Elks BPOE 125, where he had served as Exalted Ruler three times. He organized many fundraising events, including golf tournaments, bowling tournaments and Thanksgiving dinners.

He enjoyed golfing and bowling, and had bowled a perfect 300 game. As a young man, he showed registered Holstein cows at the Missouri State Fair.

Ernie was a member of Georgetown United Methodist Church.

He is survived by two brothers, Frank Dow (Wanda), of Hughesville, and William R. Dow, of Sedalia; four nieces, Lisa, Nicole, Camie and Crystal; and two nephews, Kyle and W.R.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ella Louise Kreisel, and a half sister, Lois Esther Russell.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 10, 2017, at Heckart Funeral Home, with the Rev. Kenny Cripe officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, with full military honors by the U.S. Army and V.F.W. Post 2591. An Elks graveside service will be performed by the PERs of Lodge 125.

The family will receive friends 5:00-7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Heckart Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Georgetown United Methodist Church.