Contributed by Spring Grove
Kenneth “Ken” Lawrence McDowell, who died Thursday, May 8, 2025, passed away peacefully at the age of 86.
Kenneth “Ken” Lawrence McDowell was born on May 17, 1938, in Hamilton, Ohio, to Jessie Mae McDowell Jackson and Roosevelt McDowell. He was educated in the Hamilton City School District and earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Central State University in 1960.
At Central State, Ken excelled both in the classroom and on the field. A two-sport varsity athlete, he was a four-year starter in football, playing offensive guard and linebacker, and served as team captain in his senior year. In swimming, he competed in the 50-meter and 100-meter sprints, qualifying for the 1958 NAIA finals.
While pursuing athletics, Ken also joined the U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) and, in 1958, pledged the Delta Zeta chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant (O-1) in the United States Army and was later promoted to 1st Lieutenant (O-2), serving at Fort Ord, California.
After his military service, Ken accepted a teaching position in the Lincoln Heights school system and later became the Athletic Director at Lincoln Heights High School. He also taught at Samuel Ach Junior High School, where he led the basketball team to its first undefeated season and an Eastern Division Championship.
A lifelong learner, Ken earned a Master of Education from Xavier University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. In recognition of his athletic achievements, he was inducted into the Central State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.
His passion for media and broadcasting became a defining part of his career. While teaching at Samuel Ach Junior High, a chance phone call to WCIN radio launched a new path when the general manager recognized his distinctive voice. He went on to work as a news announcer and reporter at WLWT-TV (Channel 5), later becoming the owner of several radio stations including WCIN 1480 AM, WVOI 1520 AM, WKID 95.9 FM, and WBND 1160 AM. He also served as editor of News In Pictures Magazine and frequently provided play-by-play commentary and analysis for high school and college sports on both radio and cable networks.
Ken was also deeply committed to civic and political engagement. He served as president of the Hamilton Branch of the NAACP, sat on numerous community boards, and was actively involved in the Democratic Party and the Charter Committee. In 1981, he ran for Cincinnati City Council. His work in broadcasting even led to an acting opportunity in the historical film “The Sellin’ of Jamie Thomas,” where he portrayed Luther Thomas, the father of a young boy escaping slavery. The film was part of a monthly series titled America: The Young Experience.
Later in life, Ken returned to his roots in education, serving as Assistant Principal at Princeton High School and Principal of the Garfield Alternative Education Center in Middletown, Ohio. He also taught sociology at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University–Hamilton.
Ken was a devoted member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon. He was ordained on September 12, 1999, and took great pride in supporting the church’s mission and community outreach.
Ken continued his athletic journey by joining the Hamilton Senior Olympic basketball and swimming teams. He helped his team win state basketball championships in 2002 and 2011 and earned gold medals in swimming.
Ken also had a deep love for travel, which he shared with his beloved wife, Linda. Together, they especially enjoyed visiting Israel (with New Jerusalem Baptist Church); Switzerland; Brazil; Havana, Cuba (with Florida A&M University); Spain; Morocco; Paris; London; and most of the Caribbean islands.
In 2015, Ken suffered a cardiac arrest while playing basketball at the Booker T. Washington Community Center in Hamilton. Thanks to the swift actions of Jerry Bryant and the staff at the center, he survived. He retired later that year from teaching and from the Middletown City School District.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Stanley “Stan” McDowell. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda F. McDowell; his children: Keena McDowell Smith, Patrice McDowell-Brown (Michael), and Justin F. McDowell (Belinda); his special nephew, Kristian K. Edwards (Didi); his special niece, Angelica Edwards; and his cherished grandchildren: Keeanna D. McDowell Smith, M.D.; Stewart A. McDowell Smith, M.D.; Paige Brown; Preston Brown; Aubrey M. Edwards; Amari R. McDowell; Noelani R. Edwards; and Kristian K. Edwards, Jr.