He was born in Mobile, Alabama on March 2, 1924 to Mabel and Lex Lowry. After graduating from high school in 1941, he began building ships for WWII. In 1943, Robert was drafted into the Army-Air Force and was sent to England. After receiving an Honorable discharge in 1946, he became a General Machinist at Brookley Field in Mobile and then a Tool, Die and Fixture Maker. In 1956, Robert moved his family to Huntsville, where he worked for A.B.M.A. US Army, Redstone Arsenal as a Machinist. In 1960, he went to work for NASA George C. Marshall Space Flight Center as a Guided Missile Inspector and Senior Engineering Technician. Between the years of 1980 – 1989, Robert worked for other NASA support companies.
During Robert’s years in the spacecraft industry, he inspected parts for (among others) the Saturn V, rocket boosters, cruise missiles, hydraulic pumps and Hubble telescope support. Robert’s contribution to the design of a special tool earned him recognition and an award given by Werner Von Braun.
Robert loved to sing and dance. He was a “Jack of all trades”. He possessed that special gift of pursuing and accomplishing all projects with enthusiasm and perfection. After retirement, Robert became interested in stained glass. As a result, he produced many beautiful lamps, window hangings and other miscellaneous items.
Robert was a devoted Christian and loved his gospel music. His being a lover of life reflected in his lessons of honesty, loyalty, hard work, respect, sense of humor, clean living, kindness and fairness. He was a proud WWII Veteran.
In addition to his loving wife of 73 years, Inez, Robert is survived by his sister, Betty Yount; four children: Linda Walker (Paul), Cheryl Walker (James), Robyn Wicklund (John) and Robert Lowry Jr. (fiancée, Deborah); five grandchildren: Paul, Ryan, Kyle, Aaron and Alison; and five great grandchildren: Coby, Kellen, Van, Branson and Hudson.
The family would like to recognized with deep appreciation the friends and loving caregivers of Regency, Home Instead and Kindred Hospice.
