Joseph Reid Dowler, 82, passed away April 17th after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Joe was born on August 2, 1939 in Laramie, Wyoming.
He attended Central High School and the University of Colorado where he played football and wrestled. He went on to coach wrestling and football at Boulder High and Superior State in Wisconsin. He was the head wrestling coach at the University of Wyoming from 1973-1987. He was named the WAC coach of the year following each of UW‘s WAC championship seasons. He continued on as the Associate Athletic Director for UW from 1987-2001.From a young age Joe always loved and admired horses. He was always telling stories of his first horse Buttermilk.
Joe was also very involved in the Laramie Jubilee Days committee. In his retirement, he initiated and coordinated the “W” club, an organization for former UW athletic letter winners. He enjoyed all things sport related, and was competitive to his core.
Joe was preceded in death by: parents Walter Rae and Katherine Edwina Dowler, and grandson Cody Anderson Dowler.
He is survived by wife of 54 years, Glenda. Children- Joleen (Craig) Lawson, Justin Dowler, Kori (Robert) Royse, and Tammy (Mike) Henderson . Grandchildren: Kaylyn (Tyler) Lyle, C.J. Lawson; Tyler, Caden,Taco, and Reece Dowler; Dean and Taylor Royse; Alex, Maxwell, Avery Henderson; Great grandsons Wyatt, Eli Lyle.
Memorial May 6th, 1:00 at UniWyo Gym. In lieu of flowers please make donations to UW Cowboy Joe Club to support the UW Wrestling Program in honor of Coach Dowler.
6 Comments To "Joe Dowler"
#1 Comment By Patti Hulett Sanchez On April 27, 2022 @ 6:50 am
The Hulett family sends our condolences to you all. Joe was a good friend and he will be greatly missed.
#2 Comment By Brad and Terri Jones On April 27, 2022 @ 7:07 am
Glenda and Families, we send our heart felt sympathies and may God bless each of you. Joe was a true Cowboy!
#3 Comment By charlotte L bruce On April 27, 2022 @ 6:14 pm
Thoughts and prayers to the Dowler family.
#4 Comment By Jim & Ro Peak On April 30, 2022 @ 12:22 pm
Our deepest sympathy to you all at this time. You are in our thoughts, and so sorry for your loss.
#5 Comment By Anonymous On May 1, 2022 @ 5:45 am
Anita Brentlinger
Glenda and family,
Sorry for your loss . I didn’t know him well but I saw he was a good example for the athletes in his program…l
#6 Comment By Manuel Gallegos On May 12, 2022 @ 11:55 am
Glenda and family i very sorry for your lose. I knew Joe from many years ago when i was a young man in Laramie high school. he was a very inspiration man.