Kingsley Enos Dowling

Funeral services for Kingsley Enos Dowling, 89, of Gainesville, will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, July 25, 2016 at First Baptist Church, Gainesville with Pastor Steve Roach officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Collinsville. No visitation is planned.

Kingsley passed away in Gainesville on July 20, 2016. He was born May 26, 1927 in North Vernon, IN to Enos E. and Thelma L. (King) Dowling. Known as “The Preacher’s Kid,” Kingsley married Marilyn Ann Urquhart. They started their long life together on January 29, 1964.

Kingsley enlisted in the US Navy during WW II. His ship was hit by a Japanese Kamikaze. He survived many shrapnel wounds, carrying some pieces to his grave.

After his honorable discharge, he enrolled in Lincoln Christian College in Lincoln, Illinois, often referring to the College as a “preacher factory.” He went on and served churches in southern Illinois and Tennessee. Later he served First Baptist Church, which he loved for over 20 years, keeping the members warm in the Winter and cool in the Summer. He spent the rest of his life in the home of his son and daughter-in-law Duke and Marylyn, He was preceded in death by his wife, stepson James Blanton daughter Judy Caldwell, and grandson Ezekiel Blanton.

Kingsley is survived by his son and daughter-in-law Terry and Doris Dowling of Denison; son and daughter-in-law Kingsley (Duke) and Marylyn Dowling; son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Ana Dowling of Weatherford; stepsons Nick Blanton of Gainesville, Rick Blanton and wife Kay of Wylie, Mike Blanton of Nevada, Bill Blanton of Alabama, and Donald Blanton and wife Grace of Nevada; stepdaughter Vikki Arneault of Florida; sister Anita King of Illinois. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.