David “Nick” Nickolis Dowden

BARGERSVILLE

David Nickolis “Nick” Dowden, 56, passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2017. Nick is at peace now. He will no longer have to endure the pain and suffering he so bravely tolerated the past few years.

Nick was born, in Franklin, on October 30, 1960 to his proud parents, Dave and Nancy Dowden. Even though he grew to 6′ 5″ tall, his parents still called him their “itsy-bitsy baby boy or just Itsy”.

Nick was married to Debbie (Lucas) Dowden, who was at his bedside when he passed. Nick would not have been with us as long as he was without Debbie’s love, care and endless support. She was his wife, friend and caregiver.

In addition to his wife and parents, Nick was survived by his loving twin sisters, Deena (Joe) Kelly and Teena (Rick) Roland, 3 nieces, 3 stepdaughters plus other relatives, and many good friends.

Nick had an interesting and diversified life after graduating from Franklin Community High School in 1979. He worked at Disney World as a member of the “Zoo Crew”.

Nick went to Indiana University with the idea of attending medical school but decided to pursue a career of fixing broken mechanical things rather than fixing broken human things.

Nick got his first job as a mechanic at Matlock Ford. He then joined the Patrick Race Team as an engine builder and a member of the race pit crew. During his career he built more than 800 Indy Car Engines. “His Engines” as he called them, won numerous races including the Indy 500. He loved his job and was proud of his accomplishments.

After racing he was a Johnson County Sheriff’s Deputy for several years. He owned and operated Nick’s Hook and Bullet, a gun and sporting goods store in Franklin. He was employed at the Allison Research and Development Facility in Indianapolis. Nick was also a certified Scuba Diver, a certified firearms instructor and talented in several other fields.

Nick will always be loved and sadly missed by his wife, parents, family and all of his really good friends.

Nick’s family will be hosting a visitation from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday October 27th and on Saturday October 28th from 10:00 a.m. until the service begins at 11:00 a.m. at the Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home located at 2898 North Morton Street (US31) in Franklin

Pastor Bruce Bendinger will conduct the service at the funeral home and gravesite, which will be at the Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin. Memorial contributions can be made to Relay for Life of Franklin – CFP, 5250 Vogel Road, Suite A, Evansville, Indiana 47715.

Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.flinnmaguire.com

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