Mike was born on June 27, 1947, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Leonard and Winifred (Watts) McDowell. He grew up in Melbourne, Iowa, and graduated from West Marshall High School in 1965. Mike had three children: Michelle, Mindy and Mark. Mike worked in quality assurance at Fisher Controls (Emerson) retiring after 42 years in July of 2008. He proudly served as a member of the US Army Reserve.

Mike spent a lot of time with his father and grandfather working on automotives. This was the beginning of his life-long passion for cars and his love for building engines. His mechanical knowledge was extensive. He built and drove a racecar at the Marshalltown Speedway. He later passed the wheel to his good friend John Schroyer.

Left to cherish his memory are his three children: Michelle (Pat) Ryan, of Denver, Colorado, Mindy (Ian) Buschbom, of Marshalltown, Iowa, and Mark (Megan) McDowell, of Morrison, Colorado; grandchildren: Jordan Cline, Taylor Cline, Jake Ryan, Max Ryan, Layla Buschbom, Avery Buschbom, Cora McDowell and Winnie McDowell. He also leaves behind his twin sister, Midge Hathaway and sisters Marcia Eggers and Mary Christian. He is also survived by his good friend and fiancee Paula Stotts.

He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.