JOHN W. LOWERY

John W. (Bill/Sonny) Lowery passed away at home surrounded by loved ones on December 11, 2021.

Bill was born in Neosho, Missouri to William and Virginia Lowery, December 30, 1931. He would be the oldest of four children. The family built a home and settled in Lamar, Missouri shortly after he was born.

While growing up in Lamar, he delivered papers for The Democrat and worked at the drug store soda fountain. He was also known for falling through the attic floor of the court house with his friend Billy Geeslin. He taught himself how to fly and eventually earned a commercial pilots license. He would own several single engine planes over the years.

After high school Bill went on to college at the University of Missouri in Columbia where he got his Bachelors in forestry. Then he went on to Oregon State University for a year to study Range Management and spend the summer fighting forest fires.

While in Oregon he met the love of his life Shirley, in Roseburg, and married in October 1954. They lived a nomad life moving from ranger station to ranger station all over Oregon. Their sons Bill and John were both born in Roseburg, their daughter Laura was born in Lakeview.

In 1973 Bill, Shirley and their children moved to Cle Elum where he was promoted to a GS13, the highest position a District Ranger could attain. During his time as the District Ranger in Cle Elum he traveled to Washington D.C. where he and seven other rangers from throughout the United States drafted guidelines to help implement rural economic diversification programs. Over the years he received several awards of appreciation and excellence for his dedication and leadership as a District Ranger. After serving 19 years at the Cle Elum District, 34 years total, he retired in January 1992.

Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge in Cle Elum and was a Shriner. He loved his hobby of Ham Radio and occasionally building and flying model airplanes. As a member of the Ellensburg Parks and Mountain Men Shooting Club he also organized and participated in muzzleloading competitions, of which he won several.

In the late 90’s Bill and Shirley upgraded their trailer to a large fifth wheel and became snowbirds for several years.

Bill was proceeded in death by his wife Shirley after 58 years of marriage and granddaughter Sarah. He is survived by two younger sisters, Ann Duer, Dorothy (John) Innes, a younger brother Robert (Patty), his eldest son Bill (Judy), son John, daughter Laura (Mark), five grandchildren Rabecca, Kayla (Matt), Jesse, Spencer, Griffin, and two great-grandchildren Haden and Mason.

There will be a celebration of life for both Bill and Shirley in the Spring when they will be laid to rest together forever at the Laurel Hill cemetery in Cle Elum.