John 'Jack' and Mary Jane McDowell

John “Jack” and Mary Jane McDowell of Butler celebrated 50 years of marriage with a family dinner at the North Country Brewing Company in Slippery Rock.

McDowell married the former Mary Jane Thompson on Feb. 15, 1964, at the United Presbyterian Church in West Sunbury.

They have two children, Scott McDowell and his wife, Karen, of Slippery Rock and Eric McDowell and his fiancee Bonnie Wassmer of Milton, Pa.

They also have six grandchildren.

McDowell is retired and was a crane operator at Armco Steel.

Mrs. McDowell is a retired registered nurse and worked at Butler Memorial Hospital. She is known for her many years of baking cakes for special occasions.

The McDowells are members of the Meridian United Presbyterian Church.

The McDowells in 1964