John Charles Dowling of Freeland passed away at home Oct. 15, 2003.

He was born Aug. 13, 1924, in Flandreau, S.D., to Katherine O’Hora and John Thomas Dowling. He graduated from Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy in November 1944. He served in World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars.

He married Daphne van der Walt on June 7, 1951, in Durban, South Africa. He lived all over the U.S. and retired as a captain in the Coast Guard after 29 years of service in 1975. He settled in Bellevue, later moving to Freeland, where he enjoyed golf, his friends, and life.

He is survived by his wife, Daphne; seven children; and 11 grandchildren.

Services will be held today, Wednesday, at noon at Marlatt Funeral Home, in Kent. Interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.