United States of America
Headstone of John Henry Dowies
U.S. Army · United States United States

John Henry Dowies

Died January 18, 1978

John Henry Dowies served in the U.S. Army for 4 years and 3 months. John served during the years of the Vietnam War and the Cold War.

How He Died
Manner Homicide
Cause Gunshot wound
Mechanism Firearm
What Happened

Patrolman John Dowies was shot and killed with his own service weapon after locating a man wanted in an earlier disturbance. Patrolman Dowies was assisting another agency and knew the suspect. At 11:30 p.m., he located the man at his home at 210 Avenue in Tenino and went to talk to him. As a struggle ensued, the suspect gained control of Patrolman Dowies' service weapon and shot him. The suspect, 20, was quickly taken into custody. On August 1, 1978, the suspect was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to life plus 5 years for stealing Patrolman Dowie's wallet. His first parole hearing is in 2028. Patrolman Dowies was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran who had served with the Tenino Police Department for six years and previously served with the Yelm Police Department.

Survivors
He was survived by his wife and four children.
Media
John Henry Dowies
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Service Record
U.S. Army
1966 – 1971
Also Served
Tenino Police Department
Patrolman
Memorials
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Panel 36-E · Line 7 cut as JOHN H DOWIES
In Our Keeping
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Record added August 2, 2026 neuraweb.nw
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Last updated August 2, 2026

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In tribute

I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.

Patrolman Dowies gave the Tenino Police Department 6 years.

Thank you for your service to the Tenino community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.

Rest easy, brother.

— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993

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