In Memory

Charles Lowery

Charles Lowery

Sad news, our dear classmate, Charles Lowery, passed away on June 17.  Please keep his family in your prayers. Frances Lute saw his obituary in yesterday's Chronicle.

From Frances Lute 6/24/18 - Saw in today’s chronicle that Charles passed away. This write up was very informative as to his life since graduation. He was divorced from Alice Menefee who was also in our home room with Miss Parrott. His mother taught 7th grade English at Black. I remember her well. Frances

Charles Lowery
1946 - 2018 Obituary

Charles Lowery who died on June 17, 2018 was born in Marshall, TX. He was the only child of Lila Mae Williamson and Leon Lowery. When Charles was young the family moved to Nacogdoches where Charles began to excel academically.

Never losing his affection for his 'East Texas roots' the family decided to move to the BIG city: Houston where Charles was to start his 6th year of schooling.

Continuing to be 'the excellent student' he graduated from High School as the boy with the highest grades but alas, the Valedictorian and Salutatorian went to the top two girls. With his exceptional credentials he was admitted to the University of Texas' Plan B program, but chose to attend the honors program at University of Houston. Graduating with top honors he went on to attend the UH Law School. In the middle of the term he was in the Law Review (remember he was really smart), but he was drafted during the Viet Nam war, hence having to postpone becoming a lawyer.

Fortunately he was sent to Germany. Not only was he smart, but he could type really fast. During this time he met his lifelong friend: Ed Cimermancic with whom he spent hours discussing philosophies in the Beer Gardens of Stuttgart, as work allowed. When his German tour of duty was over he returned to complete his law degree beginning his career with Dudensing and Webb, later leaving to establish his own firm: Pusch, Lowery and Gilcrease….in retirement Jerry Gilcrease and his wife Paula remained the dearest of friends to Charles.

From the beer gardens of Germany, Charles began a life long struggle with alcohol, getting sober in 2000. During his almost ten years of shining, serene sobriety he ran an AA Class and served briefly as a trustee for the Houston Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, helping many people with their own struggles with addiction. Alas he suffered a re-lapse from which he tried numerous times but never fully recovered.

He is survived by his first ex-wife, Alice Menefee Doner who was that 'girl Valedictorian' from high school and their son Edward Lowery of Austin, TX. He is also survived by his second ex-wife: Sandra Lowery with whom he remained close and who will forever grieve his passing. He is also survived by their son Andrew Lowery of Houston, TX and granddog, Millie.

Charles was an honest, gentle, kind, smart and complicated person (but aren't we all?) He did not wish to have a formal celebration of his life. Remember him when you are cooking your favorite meal, working in your garden, taking a scenic road trip or watching an old black and white movie.

He will be cremated with his ashes scattered in his beloved East Texas and in Monterrey Bay, a place of many fond memories.

Should one desire/wish to honor Charles' life suggested donations: Father Martin's Ashley; 800 Tydings Lane, Havre de Grace, MD or our own Houston Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse.

Published in Houston Chronicle on June 24, 2018



 
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06/26/18 09:13 AM #1    

Scotty Croom

it is with sadness that i read about charle's passing....i got to know him and his cousin rob williamson when we grew up in baptist temple. his family was very active in the church...we lost touch after waltrip, and attermpts to reconnect never occur...i did know he became a lawyer,but knew nothing else about his life or struggles....i fondly remember his smile, quiet demeaner and high intelligence...rip in peace,charles....


06/26/18 03:32 PM #2    

Teddie Jordan

Sorry to learn of Charles’ passing. I read that obit in Sunday’s paper and the name sounded familiar, but just didn’t connect the dots and realize it was our classmate. Had several classes with Charles and remember him as quiet, friendly and super intelligent. Rest In Peace Charles.


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