Joe Raymond Lower

Joe Raymond Lower age 96, died on January 16, 2026. He is survived by his daughter, Lura Lynn Dowd (Thomas), his son, Robert (Angelica), and grandchildren Stewart and Kelly Dowd, and Joe and Anthony Lower.

Joe was born on April 24, 1929 in Dayton Ohio. After graduating from Fairview High School in 1947, he attended The Ohio State University and received his BS in Education. While teaching Business at Anna High School, he met and married Rose Mary Barr on September 4, 1954. He served in the Army from 1954-1956, stationed at Fort Knox, after which he received his Master’s in Education from Ohio State.

Joe and Rose Mary started their family in Kettering, Ohio, where he taught at Fairmont West High School. Joe worked at Southwest Publishing Company as an editor; and he taught typing and shorthand at Cincinnati Technical College, helping to place many of his students in co-op jobs. He then became the Treasurer for Mariemont School District, finally retiring in 1987.

He and Rose Mary wintered in Florida at Nettles Island in Jensen Beach, moving there full-time in 1998. Joe enjoyed playing tennis, riding his bicycle, playing cards, gardening, traveling, antiquing, and enjoying time with many friends, old and new. For many years, Joe took extraordinary care of his wife, Rose Mary, when she became unable to walk, and was the designated driver for many outings with friends. They moved back to Ohio, and enjoyed their years at Pinebrook Assisted Living, serving on the welcoming committee, enjoying “Lawrence Welk Night” every week, and playing cards.

A Memorial service for Joe and Rose Mary will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Affinity Care Hospice on their website through the following link:

https://affinityhealthmanagement.com/donation/