Mahlon Lowery, 52, of Ruth Layne, Niles, died at 1:13 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009 at his home following a brief illness.

Mahlon was born March 19, 1957 in Gary, Ind. to Merle Edward and June Evelyn (McDowell) Lowery. He graduated from Niles High School, and earned his associate degree from Southwestern Michigan College. He earned both his bachelor’s degree in secondary education and master’s degree in athletic management from Western Michigan University.

Mahlon’s career in public school athletics included the positions of athletic director and physical education teacher at Brown Intermediate Schools in South Bend, and athletic director at Brandywine Public Schools. He was also employed at Cassopolis School District, and was an assistant basketball coach at Western Michigan University.

In those positions he organized many tournaments, and organized, raised funds and developed other athletic events, equipment and facilities for youth, including the Brandywine Girls Softball Field.

On July 27, 1985 at First Presbyterian Church in Niles, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Ann Norris, who survives.

Mahlon is also survived by his brothers, Merle E. (Doris) Lowery Jr., of Cincinnati, Ohio, Marlin D. Lowery, of Buchanan, Marvin A. Lowery and Jeffery E. Lowery, both of South Bend; sisters, Marlinda J. Lowery, of Lansing, June E. (Greg) Dowdy and Judy E. Lowery, both of Kalamazoo, Mary S. (Jim) Lowery-Fugett, of Boulder, Colo., Jane E. (Clint) Thrasher, of Mahomet, Ill.; 17 nieces and nephews; 11 great-nieces and nephews; Nancy’s parents, Rose and Francis Norris, of Niles; Nancy’s brothers, Gary (Leah) Norris, of Niles, and Scott (Cathy) Norris, of Union; and many special aunts, uncles and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan E. Lowery, who died at birth.
The funeral service for Mahlon Lowery will be held Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009 at 1 p.m. at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles, with the Rev. Janet Van Lear, of First Presbyterian Church, officiating. Burial will follow at Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

The family will receive relatives and friends from 3 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Contributions in memory of Mahlon may be made to Hospice at Home or American Cancer Society.