Area farmer dies in grain bin accident

Dowdy was reportedly working around 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at a grain bin near his farm where he had corn stored. Reports state that he suffocated after falling down into the grain while attempting to loosen a top layer of crusted corn within the bin. It is believed that the auger was in use at the time of the accident and was quickly shut off when Dowdy dropped into the bin.

Emergency responders, including Stoddard County Ambulance personnel, Dudley Fire Department, Dexter Fire Department and their extrication team, members of the Highway Patrol, Stoddard County Sheriff's Department and an Air-Evac helicopter out of the Sikeston area, all reported to the scene of the accident.

According to the Sheriff's Department, neighboring farmers reached the area within moments of the accident and were in the process of cutting an opening in the bin where Dowdy was trapped when fire department personnel arrived and took over the task. Despite extensive efforts by several men on hand, Dowdy perished before he could be retrieved from the bin.

David Dowdy was a familiar face within the farming community in and around Stoddard County. He served for over 20 years on the Missouri Extension Council, with several consecutive terms as an MFA-appointed representative and he was well known in the area for having actively supported the efforts of Stoddard County 4-H organizations.

Dowdy's dedication to the Stoddard County Fair Board is also well known throughout the county. He volunteered his services for over 20 years as livestock committee chairperson for the fair, a position he held at the time of his death.

Dowdy leaves a wife, Pam, and two children. A full obituary appears on page five of today's Daily Statesman.