Ronald Dowell

Ronald Eugene Dowell, 94, passed away Friday, July 18, 2025, at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown.

He was born February 24, 1931, in York, PA to Thomas E. Dowell and Alma (Rodkey) Dowell. Ronald graduated from York High School in 1950, where he played basketball and was a member of the 1948 District 3 PIAA championship team. A fact that he never let his family forget.

Ronald married Lucille Carman of Loganville on December 9, 1950, in Jacobus. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952, serving at the Naval Communications Station in Guam for 18 months, later serving in Washington D.C. He was honorably discharged in 1956.

Ronald and Lucille resided in Loganville for most of their lives where they raised their five children.

He began working for his father-in-law, Ervin Carman, at Carman's Ice Cream upon discharge from the Navy. Upon Ervin's retirement, Ronald and Lucille took over and Ronald became known far and wide as "The Ice Cream Man." The couple ran the business until the mid-1990s.

In the late 1970s, he served as Commander of the York Power Squadron, a boating safety fraternity that provides maintenance information to the National Ocean Survey's Nautical Charts. He received numerous awards from the national organization for his accomplishments in the Cooperative Charting Program in District 5.

In retirement, they spent six months every year in Fort Myers, Florida, where he enjoyed throwing horseshoes, playing bocce ball, engaging in card games, and napping in his recliner until Lucille's passing in 2011.

In 2020, he moved to the Masonic Village independent living facility where he harassed the staff, flirted with the women, worked on jigsaw puzzles, and complained that the E-Z peel shrimp on the buffet were too big and they served steak too often.

Ronald was a distinguished member of Shrewsbury Masonic Lodge No. 423 for 72 years. He was involved in many other Masonic bodies, including being a 32nd degree Master Mason of The Scottish Rite. He was also a proud member of Chapter, Council, Knights Templar, and a Shriner.

He was also an active life member of Izaak Walton League, York Chapter #67 in Dallastown and appreciated being outdoors hunting and fishing.

A legend in his own mind and always the center of attention, he loved to tell a questionable tale to anyone who would listen.

He is survived by his sister, Joan Danfelt, as well as four children: Cynthia Criswell (Gary), Patricia McKinney (Allen), James Dowell (Cindy), and Melissa Dodge (Steven). He was predeceased by a son, Thomas Dowell. Also surviving are eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a niece and a nephew.

A gathering to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at St. Peter's Church ("Yellow Church"), 1708 Seitzville Road in Seven Valleys. Viewing from 10:00 to 11:00 am, with the service beginning at 11:00, followed by the graveside service and reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to either Masonic Village Hospice, 98 Masonic Drive, Suite 101, Elizabethtown, PA 17022; or St. Peter's Church, 1708 Seitzville Road, Seven Valleys, PA 17360.