Kerry N. Dowling, 92, of Montgomery City, MO, died on Wednesday, November 22, 2017 at the Boone Hospital Center in Columbia, MO.

Kerry Norman Dowling was born on July 8, 1925 in McKittrick, MO to Vear R. Dowling and Grace Irene (Norman) Dowling. While an infant, his family moved to Montgomery City, MO. Kerry's father worked as an auto mechanic. Shortly thereafter, he established his own business repairing cars and tractors. Occasionally he would purchase an old car, repair it and offer it for sale. This was the beginning of a life-long career in the field of auto sales and service.

In 1928, a brother, Donald V. Dowling joined the family. Kerry attended and graduated from the Montgomery City Public Schools in 1943. Immediately following graduation, he entered summer school at Washington University in St. Louis. While there, he learned that he would soon be drafted and therefore quit school and enlisted in the Army Air Corps. His Army Air Corps training commenced at Wichita Falls, Texas followed by five months further training at Oklahoma State University. His first training as a pilot began at Brady in West Texas. He flew a training plane called PT-19. The next step was a period of time at San Antonia, which was primarily training to be an officer. Thereafter, in South Texas Basic training, he flew BT-13's. It became apparent at this point that Kerry was being trained as a fighter pilot rather than a bomber pilot. He was stationed at several bases, all in Texas. Following Gunnery School, in March 1945, he received his wings and was commissioned as a 2 ^nd Lieutenant. Thereafter, he was sent to Lincoln, Nebraska, a staging area, prior to being sent overseas. Before leaving for Europe, however, Germans surrendered and Kerry retired from active duty and returned to St. Louis to resume his studies at Washington University; however he remained in the Air Force Reserve Program for 30 years retiring as a Major.

Following his education at the university, Kerry entered his father's automobile dealership in Montgomery City. On September 19, 1948, he married his childhood sweetheart, Mildred Jo Kamp. He was very active in the Methodist Church, serving on the church board and finance committee. He also sang in the choir for seventy years.

Kerry also served nine years on the Montgomery City Council and three terms on the Montgomery Co. R-II School Board. Other activities included membership in Kiwanis Club, Montgomery County Veterans Association, American Legion, Montgomery County Golf, Montgomery Senior Center, The World Famous Montgomery Town Band, Montgomery City Masonic Lodge #246 AF&M Chapter, Council, Commandery and Moolah Shrine.

Kerry and Mildred enjoyed traveling, having visited much of the world and all fifty states. Their biggest joy, however, was their family and spending time with them.

In July 2015, Mildred and Kerry celebrated their 90 ^th birthdays at a dinner party, hosted by their children, at the Fulton Country Club. Also in September, 2017 they celebrated their 69 ^th anniversary.

Kerry is survived by his wife, Mildred and two sons: David K. Dowling and his wife, Kathy, of Montgomery City and James C. Dowling of Fulton, MO; by four grandchildren: Adam Dowling and his wife, Heather, of Columbia, MO; Dr. Jennifer Butler and her husband, Greg, of Tulsa, OK; John N. Dowling and his wife, the Rev. Melissa, of Austin, TX; and Brad Dowling of St. Louis, MO. Also surviving are five great-granddaughters, Elizabeth, Abigail and Emily Dowling, Clara Dowling, and Blakely Grace Butler; one great-grandson, Jackson Butler, and a nephew, Douglas E. Dowling and several cousins.

Kerry was preceded in death by both his parent and his brother, Donald V. Dowling and wife, Betty.

Masonic services were held at 9:30 AM on Monday, November 27, 2017 at the First United Methodist Presbyterian Church in Montgomery City, MO. Visitation was held from 9:45 AM until 11:00 AM. The funeral was held at 11:00 on Monday, November 27, 2017 at the First united Methodist Presbyterian Church. The Reverend Ed Hankinson and the Reverend Melissa Dowling officiated and interment with full Military Honors was held at the Montgomery City Cemetery in Montgomery City, MO. Casketbearers included Greg Butler, Doug Dowling, John Dowling, Adam Dowling, Brad Dowling and Phil Ahern. Honorary casketbearers included Bob Schlanker, Leo Hendricks, Ron Knigge, David Barker, John Schneider, Terry Hadfield, Kenny Finke, Ray Hollenstiener, Ross Castle and Bob Elmore.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the First United Methodist Presbyterian Church or to the Montgomery County Senior Center, c/o Schlanker Funeral Home, 207 Danville Road, Montgomery City, MO   63361