Saratoga Springs, NY - Elijah E. Dowen passed away Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 82. Born on Sept. 19, 1931 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Joseph H. and Effie B. (Bennett) Dowen, Sr. and a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School. Elijah was a 26 year veteran of the United States Army having served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was a longtime member of the American Legion Adirondack Post 70, Gurtler Brothers VFW Post 420 and the Saratoga Springs Fraternal Order of Eagles. He also was involved with the Greenfield Seniors group. In addition to his parents, Elijah was predeceased by his first wife Annie and second wife Loretta and his siblings, Agnes, Helen, Eleanor, Dorothy, Evelyn, Mary, Joseph, James and Eugene. Survivors include his longtime companion Alfreda "Freddie" Merek; brothers Robert, Harold, Donald and sister Penelope. Relatives and friends may call from 2 to 4pm Sunday, Dec. 15, 2013 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (584-5373). Funeral services will be held at 11am Monday, Dec. 16, 2013 at the funeral home. Burial will full military honors will follow at 12:30pm at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, Duell Rd., Schuylerville. Donations may be made in Elijah's memory to the American Cancer Society, 260 Osborne Rd., Loudonville, NY 12211. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.