Obituary of Walter L. Lowell

Of West Branch, formerly of Mt. Morris, age 89, died Saturday, March 17, 2012, at West Branch Regional Medical Center. The funeral service will take place 1:00 pm, Thursday, March 22, 2012, at the Martin Funeral, Cremation & Tribute Services in Mt. Morris with burial to follow in Flint Memorial Park with graveside military honors. Walter's family will be present at the funeral home on Wednesday to receive friends from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Thursday from 11:00 am until time of service at 1:00 pm. Those desiring may direct memorial contributions to the Heartland Hospice of West Branch. Envelopes are available at the funeral home. Walter was born December 21, 1922, in Mt. Morris, Michigan the son of Mr. and Mrs. George and Mamie (Warren) Lowell. He and Reba Tabor were united in marriage May 7, 1946. She preceded him in death on February 21, 2002, after 54 years of marriage. Walter proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II, serving as an anti-aircraft gunnery sergeant. He earned victory medals and theater ribbons for the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and bronze battle stars for the Philippines liberation and overseas participation. He was honorably discharged, with the Purple Heart, on January 18, 1946. Walter was a long-time, active member of the American Legion Post #342 and 40&8. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, woodworker and was known to be all-around "fix-it man." After 30 years of service, he retired from General Motors (Ternstedt) in 1978. Walter leaves to cherish his memory three daughters: Susan and husband Bill Steffey, Glenda Letavis and Karen Gagner; son, John and wife Gloria Lowell; grandchildren: Cinnamon and husband Don Couch, Gary and wife Lisa Lowell, Terry Withers and Shannon Dauss, Bill Withers, Amanda and husband Ryan Obert, Matthew Letavis, Christopher and wife Natalia Gagner; great-grandchildren: Baylee, Madeline, Ava and Reece Withers, Mason, Caleb and Brooks Obert, Carson and Sarah Lowell; two siblings, Harold and wife Betty Lowell and sister Ethel Sloma. He was preceded in death by his wife Reba, parents and seven brothers, George Russell, Charles, Kenneth, Clarence, Arthur, Harvey and Edward; grandson Dennis Gagner, II and his beloved pet Yorkie, Toby.