James Ray Dowling, 88, passed away Friday, March 3, 2023, at Protection Valley Manor in Protection, KS.  Born August 21, 1934 at Milo, OK, he was the son of Artie Frank and Vera Alma (Sims) Dowling.

Ray was a long time resident of Protection, KS, moving there in 1958.  He attended Protection First Baptist Church and was a member of Protection Jaycees.  During his life, Ray held many jobs including: he worked in oilfield seismography; he worked as a mechanic at Oyer Service Station in Protection; he ran the powerplant for the City of Protection; he worked as a farm hand for Chet Harden, Carl Yost, and Don Kerstetter; he worked at Filson's Manufacturing; and he owned and operated his own business called Ray's Sporting Goods.

On July 2, 1955, he married Frankie Pauline Clendenen at Vernon, TX.  She preceded him in death on June 9, 2012.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter: Carolyn Sue Dowling; one brother: Artie Dowling; and two sisters: Marie Byrd and Cheryl Rollins.

He is survived by one son: Eddie "Lynn" Dowling of Protection, KS; one daughter: Paula Bradley (Greg) of Protection, KS; one brother: Lee Dowling (Lona) of Arnett, OK; four grandchildren: Michael Dowling (Trish) of Turpin, OK, Hugh Bradley (Nichole) of Lawrence, KS, Tammie Thronesbery (Dwayne) of Protection, KS, and Daniel Bradley (Rachel) of Earlham, IA; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Calling times are from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday, March 6, 2023, at Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, Coldwater, KS.

Funeral service is at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Protection First Baptist Church in Protection, KS.

Burial will follow the funeral service at Protection Cemetery in Protection, KS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Protection First Baptist Church Chicken Noodle Dinner or Protection Valley Manor in care of Hatfield-Prusa Funeral Home, P.O. Box 417, Coldwater, KS 67029.