Brian "Keith" Dowell, 44 of Dowell, MD was carried home by our Lord on Thursday, December 8, 2011. Keith was born in Calvert County, Maryland December 31, 1966, and resided in Dowell his entire life.

Keith and his family, Valerie, Autumn and Justin recently began attending services at The Potter's Place, a one room church where his wife, Valerie serves as music director. Prior to moving to the Potter's Place Keith served as a Deacon at Southern Calvert Baptist Church. After moving to the Potter's Place, Keith continued his life of service by truly acting as the hands and feet of Jesus and doing all he could to help those around him. He did what he thought needed to be done. He built a porch roof over the entrance to the church to protect people from the weather. After he finished that he told his wife that he wanted to build a steeple for the church. On December 8, 2011 he gathered his tools and headed out to build his vision. He drew a small diagram of his idea on a piece of notebook paper, and then started construction. Regretfully, it was the last thing he would ever do while on this earth. He was doing something for others. If we all can be that sincere and that giving in our last moments on earth, it truly can be a better place.

Keith lived his entire life with a servant's heart. He volunteered with the Solomon's Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department as soon as he was old enough to get involved. Since he was younger, and smaller than many members of the department, they nicknamed him Smurf. He eventually became a Sergeant with the Department. He later served our country for five years in the United States Army, as a Military Police Officer, and continued as a member of the Army National Guard. He became a United States Capital Police Officer in 2002, and worked there until his death.

Keith is survived by his wife, Valerie, his daughter, Autumn, and his son, Justin, as well as his siblings, Barry Dowell, Brad Dowell, and Laura Wright, and his Grandmother, Velma Dowell. Keith is the third son of Retired Maryland State Trooper, C. "Buckie" and Brenda Dowell, and the son-in-law of Mike and Ronnie Warren, of Lusby, Maryland.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 at Southern Calvert Baptist Church, 12140 H. G. Trueman Road, Lusby, MD 20657 at 11:00 AM until the time of the service celebrating Keith's life at 1:00 PM. Interment will be private.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Autumn and Justin Fund. Donations can be made at any PNC Bank branch, or mailed to the Autumn and Justin Fund c/o Buckie Dowell, PO Box 12, Dowell, MD 20629.

Arrangements by the Rausch Funeral Home, P. A., 20 American Lane, Lusby, MD.