Richard William Lowell

Born in San Francisco, California, on August 7, 1952, Richard lived a life defined by honor, service, faith, and unwavering love for his family and his country. From an early age, he answered the call to serve, embarking on a distinguished 21-year career in the United States Navy. A proud graduate of the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, Class of 1975, Richard also played fullback for the Midshipmen during two years of his time at the Academy. He carried the Academy's ideals of duty, honor, and loyalty with him throughout his life.

Richard's love for the Navy extended far beyond his years in uniform. He deeply cherished the friendships he made, the sailors he mentored, and the privilege of serving the nation he loved. He believed that service was not simply a career but a lifelong commitment to something greater than oneself. His patriotism, quiet strength, and steadfast sense of duty inspired all who knew him and left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to serve alongside him.

Committed to lifelong learning, Richard earned a Master of Science in Management from the Naval Postgraduate School and later a Master of Arts in Education from Chapman University. His distinguished military career was recognized with numerous honors and decorations, including two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Unit Commendation Medal, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, two Navy "E" Ribbons, the Navy Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Navy & Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon.

Following his retirement from the Navy, Richard continued to dedicate himself to serving others. He brought the leadership, discipline, and commitment he had developed in the military to roles as a Safety Specialist and Training Coordinator in the oil and gas industry before joining the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, where he faithfully served until his retirement. His heart for service also extended to his parish, where he devoted 15 years as the Lector Coordinator at St. Martha's Catholic Church. Whether in uniform, at work, or in his church, Richard led by quiet example, offering wisdom, encouragement, and kindness to everyone he encountered.

Beyond his many accomplishments, Richard will be remembered most for the love he shared with his family. He was a devoted husband, proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy came from spending time with those he loved. His gentle nature, thoughtful conversations, steady guidance, and dependable presence created a foundation of strength for his family. He was also an avid reader and lifelong science fiction enthusiast, happiest when immersed in a good book or enjoying one of his favorite science fiction films or television series. Among his most treasured reads were the Tarzan novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, which he returned to throughout his life.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara; his daughter, Jacqueline (Ezekiel Sr.); his sons, Richard Jr. and Christopher (Jessica); his grandchildren, Christine (Larry), Lauren (Logan), Ryan Jr., Nathaniel, Ezekiel Jr., and Kylie; and his great-grandchildren, Rhett, Wylie, and Kennedy.

Richard’s example of patriotism, humility, and devotion to God, family, and country will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. Fair winds and following seas, Commander Lowell. Your watch is complete, and your legacy lives on in the countless lives you touched.

A Funeral Mass celebrating Richard's life will be held at St. Martha's Catholic Church on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The family requests that flowers or memorial gifts be sent to Kingwood Funeral Home.