Billie Ray Dowers, 85, of Hutchinson, passed away Feb. 28, 2025, at his home as was his wish, surrounded by loved ones in the home that he built almost 50 years ago. He was born Sept. 29, 1939, in Waynoka, OK, to Ray and Bessie (Littrell) Dowers, and was an only child.
Billie moved to Hutchinson in 1951 and graduated from Hutchinson High School, Hutchinson Community College, and McPherson College with a degree in education. Billie quickly discovered that a career indoors at the chalkboard was not his path, so he started Dowers Tractor Service. Billie always preferred working outdoors - at first with his father, and then with his children. A well-known fixture in the community and often seen driving a tractor all over town, Billie was a skilled craftsman doing dirt work and planting residential and commercial lawns. He also did contractor work including removing snow from many of the city’s businesses and parking lots.
Billie was a caring and generous man, often providing a hand to those who needed it most. He lived a full and active life to the end of his days, still going to work every day and enjoying pastimes like fishing, antiquing, and Sunday drives in the country. Billie’s collection of cars and tractors – both real and models – was to be envied, including a Model A Ford, 55 Chevy, 57 Chevy, 64 Chevy, and a vintage Cadillac. He had antique, restored tractors as well, which included the same model he learned to drive as a teen.
Billie met the love of his life on a double date to the movies in 1961. He and Connie Sue Doty married two years later and celebrated 58 years of marriage before her passing in 2022.
Billie is survived by: his daughter, Tammie Cox (Brian) of Lee’s Summit, MO; sons, Terry (Pam Shirley), Randy (Amy), Ricky (Lacy), all of Hutchinson; nine grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Connie.
Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, March 7, 2025, at Elliott Chapel. Burial will follow in Eastside Cemetery.
The service will be livestreamed and the link below to view it will be active beginning at 9:45 a.m. the day of the service.
Click here to view the service
Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, with the family present to receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 6, at Elliott Mortuary.
Memorials may be made to Traditions Health Hospice Care, Holy Cross Catholic School, or Inspire Church, in care Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.