Robert Earl Lowrey, 63, of Beaumont, passed away on July 9, 2006, at his home surrounded by his loving family and devoted friends. He was born to Delmer E. and Gladys I. Lowrey on November 20, 1942, in Port Arthur, Texas; and was a life-long resident of the area.
Robert graduated from Port Neches-Groves High School where he played basketball and baseball. He attended Lamar University and later taught a specialty class at night for Smoley’s Tables at Lamar. He served in the Army National Guard Reserve from 1960-1968.
Robert retired from Bethlehem Steel after thirty-three years of service. He started his employment in general labor in the field, promoting up through the ranks holding various management positions and completing his career as Senior Manager over Administration at BethShip-Sabine yard. After retiring he was a marine consultant and later worked for Southern Sandblasting & Coatings, Inc., of Dayton, owned by his friends – Ernest and Carol Watson. Robert was also co-owner of L & R Construction in the 1980’s and built beach homes at Crystal Beach.
He was a current member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, a former member of Holy Cross, Nederland; and Trinity Lutheran, Port Arthur, where he attended parochial school. Robert was also a former member of The Men’s Pilot Club and the Lamar University Cardinal Club. Robert loved to hunt and fish and has many show trophies. He was also an avid golfer. He ran the very successful “54 Hole Blowout” held at Brentwood Country Club, which he conceived and promoted until this year. One of his favorite passions was the monthly games of Texas Hold’em with his poker buddies.
He had a competitive spirit in everything he did, from ping pong to golf. His competitive spirit showed even in his courageous battle with a brain tumor that eventually took his life.
Robert was a devoted son to his eighty-eight year-old mother, Gladys Lowrey, who resides at The Oaks Nursing Home.
He is survived by his mother, Gladys Lowrey; his loving wife of forty-two years, Joyce Lowrey; one daughter, Jan Marie Collier and her husband, Wayne Collier; one granddaughter, the light of his life, Crystal Marie Collier, all of Port Neches; one aunt, Dorothy (Bill) Miertschin of Sour Lake; two brothers-in-law (but more like brothers), Joe (Donna) Robertson, and Randy (Kathy) Robertson, all of Port Neches; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.
A funeral service will be held 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, July 12, 2006, officiated by Reverend Douglas Rathgeber at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 2955 S. Major Drive, Beaumont, where Robert was christened on December 27, 1942, under the direction of Broussard's Mortuary, 1605 North Major Drive. Burial will at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3900 Twin City Highway, Groves, on Wednesday, July 12, 2006. Serving as pallbearers will be, Ryan Robertson, Lance Robertson, Kelly Robertson, Eric Robertson, Bob Robbins, Bill Robbins, Luther Childress, Rick Smith and Ernest Watson,Sr. A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, July 11th, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.at the mortuary.
Friends so desiring may make memorial contributions to St. John’s Lutheran Church Building Fund 2955 South Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713 or M.D. Anderson Brain Tumor Research, 1515 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, Texas 77030-4009.
