Obituaries: Wingate Dowden, Sabine Parish D-350 Source: Sabine Index, Many, La., Apr 29, 1993 Submitted by: Tammy D. Larche tammy@cp-tel.net ********************************************** Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ********************************************************************************** ************************************************************ Wingate Dowden Apr 1993 - Sadness engulfed Sabine Parish and points across the state, as word of the untimely death of Retired La. State Trooper Wingate Dowden spread Thursday morning, April 22. Dowden who was at his home in Fort Jessup, was stricken Wednesday night shortly before 9 p.m. He was rushed by ambulance to Sabine Medical Center, where he expired at 9:36 p.m. He was 61 years old. Survivors include his widow, Mrs. Neva Corley Dowden of Many; three sons, Charles W. Dowden of Bedford, Tx.; Rev. Brian Keith Dowden of Ethel, Mississippi; and Hugh Wayde Dowden of Many; four sisters, Vivian Tarver Herrington and Maggie Dowden McGee both of Florien, Clydell Dowden Dile of Alexandria, and Robbie Dowden Raiford of Primm Springs, Tenn.; one brother, Huey Dowden of Many; and six grandchildren; Ben and Drew Dowden of Bedford, Tex.; Bonnie and Brion Dowden of Ethel, Miss.; and Brandon and Chase Dowden of Many. Dowden was a well-known and loved La. State Trooper at Troop H in Leesville for much of his 20 year career. At the time of his retirement in 1982, he was Public Information Officer. His white station wagon with the LSP insignia was a common site in the area, and young and old alike knew that if he could help in any situation, he would. Over the years, he gained the confidence of the young people, and served as their confidante and spokesperson in many situations. Born on June 18, 1931 in Peason to Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Dowden, Wingate was one of ten children raised on what he called "Dowden's Peapatch." He graduated from Plainview High School in 1948, where he was center on the basketball team and first base on the softball team. Following graduation, he was one of the first to become employed by A. J. Hodges. Dowden cared for the planted trees on the acreage that would one day become Hodges Gardens. In July 1950, he married Neva Corley of Mt. Carmel. Together they built a lifetime of love and devotion, raising three sons and enjoying their six grandchildren. In 1952, Dowden enlisted in the United States Army. During his stint in the service, he served in Korea in the 96th Field Artillery and was there when the ASrmistice was signed. The year 1954 brought an Honorable Discharge for the young sergeant. He returned to Sabine Parish and Hodges' employment, where he was involved in Forestry Research. He worked there for a number of years, grafting, crossing different species and dong a little bit of everything. In January 1963 he joined the La. State Police and completed a nine-week school at the State Police Academy in Baton Rouge. He patrolled and upheld the laws of Louisiana, until 1972, when he was promoted to Sr. Trooper in the Public Information Dept. In the years that followed, he presented safety talks and drug lectures, taught first aid and defensive driving courses. He also traveled with the Narcotic van throughout the south. Some of his finest memories were sitting on parked cars in Many and talking over problems with the teenagers. There was no doubt to the young people that they had a friend in blue, who cared. Trooper Dowden believed in people. He once said. "Friendship is one of the cheapest things in the world. It is one of the greatest things a person can have: He had an overabundance. During his law enforcement career, he was credited with saving three lives. Over two decades ago, he saved two employees from a burning city complex, and a local attorney from drowning in his pool. One honor Trooper Dowden earned during his career was being selected as one of two representatives to attend the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, Canada. Active the the Trinity Baptist Church of Many for many years, he served as Sunday School Superintendent, taught Training Union and sang in the church choir. He had recently moved his letter to the First Baptist church of Many. Professionally he was a member of the Leesville VFW, the La. Peace Officers Association, and the La. State Trooper's Associated. He also held membership in the Masonic Lodge NO 411 F & AM and when his sons were playing MHS sports, was a member of the Many Tiger Boosters. In his spare time he enjoyed skiing, swimming, reading, and gardening. Since retirement , he worked on his farm, raising cattle. In 1983 he made an unsuccessful bit for Sabine Parish Sheriff. His goal in life was to serve, and at every opportunity, he did. The family received visitors at Blanchard-St. Denis Funeral Home in Natchitoches on Thursday night. The body lay in state at the First Baptist Church of Many beginning at 10 a.m. Friday morning, until service time at 1 p.m. An honor Guard, composed of La. State Troopers, Troop E in Alexandria, positioned themselves at the head and foot of the flag-draped caskets, as mourners filed by and offered sympathy to the family. The State Troopers serving as pallbearers were Troopers Lynn Anderson, Ronald Dowden, Don Dowden, Guy Wayne Singletary, Ron Withers, George Elliott, Sammy Craft and Harian Alderman. Flowers and plants banked the altar and filled the fron of the church. A dark blue wreath, adorned with yellow daffodils, a tribute to Dowden's years with the La. State Police. Those on hand to offer a final tribute to Dowden, included person from all walks of life - a retired State Senator, judges, law enforcement officers, hospital staffers, elected officials, farmer and young people. Wingate Dowden never met a stranger, and he was a friend to everyone. He enjoyed warm and close friendships with many. . .and the respect he earned over the years was filled with admiration, honor and love. A prelude of best-loved hymns, including "What a Friend We Have in Jesus" and "In the Garden" filled the sanctuary, as the service began. The crowd had grown to over the 300 seating capacity. Some stood in the foyer . . others lined the back wall of the sanctuary. The Rev. Kevin Taylor, former youth director at Trinity Baptist of Many and now pastor of Harmony Baptist Church in Natchitoches, sang "Because He Lives". Seated along with Rev. Taylor in the pulpit area were the Rev. Joe e that Wingate has seen his maker - the one he has served all his life. What a glad reunion day this is." He quoted from words by Helen Keller, concerning the deaths of her friends and how a part of her is buried with them. In closing, he challenged the Dowden sons to keep the good name and let their father live on through them. He also reminded the congregation of Dowden's best friend, the late La. State Trooper C. J. Miller. "They are together today." he added. An eight car La. State Police escort, with flashing lights, followed Sabine Parish Deputy Wayne Self, as they began the procession to the Fort Jessup Cemetery where Dowden was laid to rest. Ironically, it was Deputy Self who provided an escort to Sabine Medical Center Wednesday night after Dowden was stricken. In the solemn quietness of the old cemetery east of Many, one of Louisiana's finest was laid to rest. Wingate Dowden . . . the man of good deeds . . .the man with many friends. The good Christian man . . . will never be forgotten.