May 9, 1936 — Dec. 25, 2013

Dale R. Lowe, age 77 years of Niles, Michigan died at 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday — Christmas Day — Dec. 25, 2013, at his home following an extended illness.

He was born on May 9, 1936, in Niles to William Robert and Rauzy Irene (Harrell) Lowe. He was graduated from Niles High School, and has lived here all of his life.

He was first employed at the former National Food Store, and then at Schilling Beverage before beginning his career at the former Tyler Refrigeration from which he retired in 1998 after thirty-two years of service.

Dale was devoted to public service, currently as Howard Township Supervisor and on the board – and past chair – of the Woodland Behavioral Health Care Network. He has also served as the Cass County 14th District Commissioner, was on the board of the Van Buren/Cass County Health Department, and the Southwest Michigan councils for substance abuse and administrative governance. In each of these offices, he served on various committees for receipients’ rights, emergency food & shelter, transportation, farmland preservation, and administration and budget. He was also a member of the Cass County Republican Party.

Dale was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing with friends both locally, and annual trips “up north”. He was a member of the National Rifle Association, and served on the U.S.Army National Guard for four years.

On July 24, 1955, at Trinity Episcopal Church in Niles he married the former Mary Ann Shoemaker with whom he celebrated last July the fifty-eighth anniversary of their wedding.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Lowe and their children, Larry Lowe of Riverside, California, Karen Lowe of Niles, Kimberly (& Chris) Fayard of Niles, and Christine (& Brian) Becker of San Marino, California; grandson, Nicholas (& Lisa) Becker; and Dale’s sister, Shirley Fox of Niles.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and by his twin brother, Gale Lowe and their brothers, Robert Lowe, Warren Lowe, and Therman Lowe.

The funeral service for Dale Lowe will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2013, at Hope Community Church in Niles with the Rev. Michael Smith of the church officiating.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 until 8 p.m. on Monday at the Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.

Contributions in memory of Dale may be made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, Saint Joseph, Michigan 49085.

www.halbritterfunerals.com