Capt. Dowling's caretaker shares a different side of "Iron Bill"

Joshua Keithley knows Captain William "Iron Bill" Dowling better than most.

"It's a surreal feeling that he's not around anymore," said Keithley, who was one of the Dowling's Home Health nurses.

"I spent a lot of time with his family, going on a lot of family outings, swim meets, gym, movies where ever Capt. Dowling wanted to go.

Keithley even moved with the Dowlings to Colorado last year. Today, he shared some of those personal photos with us. They show Dowling at physical therapy, and during lighter moments with family and friends.

"They loved scary movies, so anytime we went to the movies or something like that, most of the time it was a scary movie."

As for Dowling's interests, well that may surprise people.

"A lot of people didn't know he used to ride bare back in the rodeo, a lot of people didn't know he played the guitar, he loved to sing."

Keithley will be attending a private family memorial service on Thursday. Meanwhile, the City of Houston is getting ready to honor Dowling during a public memorial service at Houston Baptist University at 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

"We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while we honor a true American hero," said Senior Capt. Ruy Lozano during a briefing today.

The Fire Department and the Union want to invite Houstonians to the memorial service.

However, for those who are not planning on attending, it is recommended you avoid the area near Houston Baptist University between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Fondren and the I69 access roads near HBU will be closed, and a procession is expected to take most of the morning.