St. Elmo Dowling, 89Elmo Dowling passed away November 5, in the Gainesville Nursing Home after a lengthy struggle with dementia and related complications. He was born March 31, 1925, in New River, FL to Corrie and Joe Lee Dowling. He grew up in Live Oak, becoming an Eagle Scout and playing semi-pro baseball. He joined the Coast Guard during WWII and returned to attend the University of Florida, earning a Master's degree in Agriculture and a Professional Engineering license. The first part of his career was diverse; managing gladiola farms, teaching at UF's College of Agriculture, and becoming the National Sales Manager for LR Nelson Manufacturing Corporation. He spent the last two decades of his career as the owner-operator of AWF, an irrigation equipment company.Elmo is survived by his four children; Terry Lee Dowling Knight (Bill) of Lakeland, James Edward Dowling of Gainesville, Joseph Everett DowlingSoka (Christina) of Chattanooga, and Mary Beth Dowling of Atlanta; 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Betsy Myer Dowling, and sisters Vivian Dowling Holden and Agnes Lucille Dowling.A graveside service will be held at Forest Meadows Memorial Park East in Gainesville (3700 SE Hawthorne Rd) at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 11, 2014. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Funeral Home Forest Meadows Funeral Home 725 NW 23rd Avenue Gainsville FL - 32609 US 352-378-2528