Leonard Lowes

Leonard W. Lowes, 86, of Cape Girardeau passed away Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, at the Missouri Veterans Home, where he resided in the "A" Wing since October 2006.

He was born March 3, 1921, in rural Jackson, son of Ed and Mary Augusta Grebe Lowes. Lowes attended College High School and completed 13 years of education. After graduation he worked on a farm, in construction and in sales until being called to active duty with the Naval Air Corp in January 1943. He proudly served his nation as an air operations officer in the Central Pacific, achieving the rank of lieutenant JG. He was involved in the Battle for Okinawa. Lowes was honorably discharged from military service in July 1946.

He and Helen "Jackie" Alexander were married April 4, 1946, in California. They returned to his hometown where he began work in construction, later becoming a self-employed contractor and land developer. One of his notable contributions to the growth of his community was the development of Woodland Hills Estates subdivision, completed just a few years prior to his retirement.

Lowes was an active participant in civic activities over the years with involvement in the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Knights of Columbus. He served on the board at VIP Industries and as a Cub master for the Boy Scouts of America when his children were young. He was a member of St. Mary Cathedral Parish.

Survivors include his wife, Jackie; six sons and their spouses, Richard (Earleen) Lowes of Jackson, Jim (Pamela) Lowes of Edmond, Okla., Ken (Linda) Lowes of Sikeston, Mo., Steve (Jane) Lowes, Greg (Cindy) Lowes, David (Edie) Lowes, all of Cape Girardeau; two daughters and their spouses, Mary Ann (Andy) Halter of Sikeston, Sara (Fred) Gramm of Cape Girardeau. He will also be sadly missed by his 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who will hold his memory close in their hearts.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Paul, Lloyd and Charlie Lowes; two sisters, Blanche Rhodes and Venita Higgison; an infant daughter and an infant son.

Friends may call from 3:30 to 8 p.m. today at Lorberg Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau. Parish prayers will be conducted at the funeral home at 4 p.m.; at 7 p.m. a rosary will be offered there by the Knights of Columbus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:30 p.m. Monday at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau, with the Rev. Tom Kiefer officiating.

Burial will follow in St. Mary's Cemetery on Perry Avenue, with full military honors at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Wing "A" of the Missouri Veterans Home or to the Alzheimer's Association, designated for research purposes.