Anthony "Sarge" McDowell, Iraq Vet shot by police, laid to rest

Family and friends bury Anthony McDowell, soldier shot by Gresham police
Published: Monday, February 07, 2011
By Steve Beaven, The Oregonian

Family and friends gathered Monday under an iron-gray sky at Willamette National Cemetery to honor Anthony McDowell, a military veteran who was shot to death by Gresham police last week outside his home.

They grieved, but they also wondered: How did it come to this? How could a man so dedicated to his community and fellow soldiers die such a violent death at the hands of police officers?

"There's a lot of unanswered questions," said Sharon Brunner, a friend who was waiting for the funeral procession at the cemetery.

McDowell, 50, was holding a rifle when he was killed on Jan. 31 during an encounter with officers.

The Gresham Police Department said in the immediate aftermath of the shooting that officers were dispatched to the house after McDowell's wife called to report that he was suicidal. A full account of the shooting has not been released.

McDowell was remembered as a devoted father, husband and a "patriot."

He had been in the Navy and the Army Reserve and served in Iraq. He was also the founder of a nonprofit that aids veterans called Sergeant McDowell's Military Relief. His friends called him "Sarge."

McDowell raised money to help veterans and their families. He threw Christmas parties. He bought gifts for children. And he helped soldiers who'd recently returned from war in their efforts to re-engage with society.

Sometimes, friends have said, money for Sergeant McDowell's Military Relief came out of Anthony McDowell's pocket.

"He bent over backward in helping those soldiers," said Kenneth Claiborne, one of the mourners who said he knew McDowell through the military. 

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Family and friends bury Anthony McDowell