John Lowery Obituary

John Allen Lowery

Our beloved brother, John Allen Lowery, 66, of Fostoria, passed away at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, 2024, surrounded by family.

He was born Nov. 29, 1957, to Ramon and Beatrice (Fox) Lowery, the seventh of their 11 children. Being born with Down Syndrome made life more challenging, but also more full of wonder and joy. He taught us all how to live life to the fullest.

At Blanchard Valley School, John learned reading, writing, and the life skills he would need for a rich and productive life. John was a hard worker, holding jobs with Blanchard Valley Industries, as well as in the community. He loved stocking shelves at Hudson's Family Market. His last job was with KanDu in Findlay.

Over the years, John participated in the Special Olympics many times, in running events during his younger years, and after graduation, in bowling competitions. John enjoyed playing basketball, tennis, and kickball with his family and friends. He loved watching and keeping the scores of any sports he could find on television and in recent years, would spend hours cutting pictures from the sports pages of newspapers that neighbors and churches would collect for him. His favorite team to watch was the Ohio State Buckeyes football team. John was generally a loving, happy guy, but if his Buckeyes lost, he complained loudly about the refs and the opposing team!

A lifelong member of St. Wendelin Catholic Church, John was an altar server well into adulthood, proudly carrying the cross at his parent's 50th wedding anniversary Mass. He was truly the heart of our family. He always led the prayer before meals, ending with a loud, "And … dig in!" He loved to propose toasts at all family events, often to thank whoever had prepared (or paid for) the meal. He took every opportunity to dance and sing, especially if he had an audience. A Christmas wasn't complete until John sang "Silent Night" for us. He loved playing with all his nieces and nephews and they all loved Uncle John.

John is survived by his brother, Charles (Sue) Lowery of Bloomdale; sister-in-law, Deb (Evans) Lowery of Bradner; sisters, Diane (Bill) Hudson of Fostoria, Kathleen (Daniel) Mowrey of Elgin, Texas, Rose (Charles) Metzger of Fostoria, Carol (Joseph) Gruss of Rossford, Laura (James) Unferdorfer of Massillon, Annette (Thomas) Unferdorfer of Wooster, Pamela (Jeffrey) Van Cleve of North Canton, and Angela Dye of Canton; 27 nieces and nephews; 49 great-nieces and great-nephews; and three great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Daniel Lowery.

Visitation will be 3-7 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2024, at HOENING & SON FUNERAL HOME, 133 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, Ohio, 44830, where a Vigil will take place at 6:30 p.m. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at St. Wendelin Catholic Church, Fostoria, with Monsignor Michael Hohenbrink presiding. Burial will follow at St. Wendelin Catholic Cemetery. A funeral lunch and gathering will then take place in the Parish Hall at the church.

Special thanks to Bridge Hospice and to his caregiver/sister, Diane, and her husband, Bill Hudson, who so lovingly cared for him for many years.

Donations may be made in John's honor to Kan Du Group, 318 W. Main Cross, Findlay, or St. Wendelin Catholic Church.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.hoeningfuneralhome.com.