Walter Smith Lowell's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Walter Smith Lowell, age 91 of Charleston, was called to his Heavenly Home on Friday, March 4, 2016 while a resident at Hilltop Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, March 12, 2016 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church located at 902 Cleveland Avenue in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday with Pastor Ken Hoover officiating. Burial with Military Services will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the E.I.U. Foundation - Margaret and Walter Lowell Voluntary Service Scholarship. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Walter was born February 14, 1925 in Detroit, MI to the late Smith E. and Mina (Zamay) Lowell. He grew up in Roseville, MI and was in the U.S. Navy Officer's Training Program in Kalamazoo when he met his future wife, Margaret Johnston. They were united in marriage on January 18, 1945 in Chicago after he received his commission as an ensign following graduation from the Navy's V-12 program. He went on to serve as a member of the Scouts and Raiders in the China-India-Burma Theater during World War II. Walter was called back to active duty during the Korean War and stationed at Little Creek, VA. He remained in the Naval Reserve and retired as a Commander after 26 years. Walter earned his Bachelor's Degree from Western Michigan University. He taught and coached high school sports in Sebewaing and Grand Haven, Michigan, and was one of the pioneers in drivers education in Michigan at that time. In 1960 Walter moved his family to Lansing where he completed his doctorate at Michigan State University. He began work as a professor and coach in 1961 at Eastern Illinois University, and was named Dean of the School of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation in 1964. Dr. Lowell retired from E.I.U. in 1986 following a 25 year tenure. Walt was a longtime faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charleston where he served in every office. He was also an avid E.I.U. Panther booster, a Red Cross blood donor, and a life member of the Charleston VFW Post 1592. His hobbies and interests included gardening, camping, and traveling in their RV throughout the country and across the Alaska-Canadian Highway many times. Walt loved his family dearly and is survived by Margaret, his devoted wife of 71 years. They were blessed with five children, Judy Hogan and husband Jerry of Pewaukee, WI; Jim Lowell and wife Mary of La Crescent, MN; Chuck Lowell and wife Ronda of Charleston; Tom Lowell (deceased) and David Lowell (deceased). Walt is also survived by 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Char Lowell of Raleigh, NC and Rita Lowell of Orlando, FL; two sisters, Minnie Haska of Mount Clemens, MI and Winifred Martin of Marine City, MI; and a brother, Jim Lowell of Romeo, MI. In addition to two sons, Walt was preceded in death by three sisters, Johanna, Edith and Caroline. Walt will always be remembered for his devotion and commitment to his family, his faith, his students and his country. Walt's memorial website is available at www.adamsfuneralchapel.com where condolences may be sent to the family by clicking on obituaries. SERVICES Visitation Saturday, March 12, 2016 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Immanuel Lutheran Church 902 Cleveland Avenue Charleston, IL 61920 Funeral Service Saturday, March 12, 2016 11:00 AM Immanuel Lutheran Church 902 Cleveland Avenue Charleston, IL 61920
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