Walter James Lowe

Walter James Lowe, known by his family and lifelong friends as “Dub” passed away peacefully July 17, 2020 at Greenville Nursing Home in Greenville, Mo.    Dub was born to Walter Scott Lowe and Millie Louisa Victoria (Mossman) nee Fagan. He was a devoted Christian and loved the Lord with all his heart.

Dub was born November 22, 1934, in Dexter Missouri.  He married Norma Sue McClearn from St. Louis, MO, April 10, 1954, in Hernando, Mississippi, and to this union, twin daughters, Janet Elaine and Gail Sue were born.

Dub was drafted into the Army in 1956.  He spent 2 years overseas in Germany.  The Army proved to be one of the best things that happened in his life as he often stated.   He went in as a jokester, hating the notion that he was forced into the military, but came out a tough man.  He did not truly appreciate his stint in the Army until he was released. 

Dub started a family band while living in St. Louis after Army life with three of his brothers-in-law, Joe Burgess along with Don and Jim McClearn. Not only was this fun for the entire family, but they were all quite talented. Dub was the lead singer as well as acoustic guitarist. He was also well versed in steel guitar, dobro, and harmonica. His harmonious vocals and unique manner of “pickin’ guitar” caught the eye of a member/organizer of the Grand Ole Opry in the late 1960s.  As a young family man, and concern for his wife and children, he turned down the gracious opportunity to appear on stage in Tennessee. Fear held him back at the time. He had a family to raise and that was his concern and main focus. He never regretted the decision and rarely talked about it after he kindly refused the generous offer from the Opry.

Dub moved away from the St. Louis area to Wayne County with his wife in 1990, after retiring as a teamster from Coca-Cola.  Thirty-eight years of service to the company, but early retirement at the age of fifty-four suited him well. He began a hobby farm and had many beautiful horses on his property.  He enjoyed the sale barns, auctions, his family and caring for his horses.

Preceding Dub in death were his parents, several brothers and sisters, nieces, nephews, and one grandson.  

Dub is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Norma, of the home; daughter: Janice Schuette (Mark) of Piedmont , Gail Young (Mike) of O’ Fallon, several grandchildren,  many great-grandchildren, two sisters: Thelma Brown of Dexter, Millie Josetta Brown of Clinton, Pa., many nieces, nephews and scores of friends.

Deepest gratitude to Ruegg Funeral Home, Greenville Nursing Home, and Safe Harbor Hospice for taking such wonderful care of “Walt.”  Special thanks to his nurses Chris and Austin, as well as the entire staff, including Jessica, Marisa, and Kim with Hospice.  “Walt” loved them all.

No services at the request of Walter J. Lowe. Online condolences can be made at www.rueggfuneralhomes.com

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