Doug was born December 5, 1925 in Chama, NM to Elmo and Vivian Daggett Lowell near the Daggett family ranch, at a time and place where transportation was still by horse and train. He was mostly raised on the ranch and in Pagosa Springs, CO, but finished high school in Hollywood, CA, where he worked for his Aunt Edith, an interior decorator for celebrity homes. In WWII, as part of the 97th Infantry Division of Patton’s 3rd Army, he fought on the front lines earning his first Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge in battles across France, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. Afterwards, his unit was deployed as part of the Army of Occupation in Japan.
After WWII, he owned a guest ranch where he led fishing expeditions in the mountains above the Daggett ranch. Later he graduated from the University of New Mexico as a distinguished Air Force Military Graduate (ROTC). Major DW Lowell went on to a 20+ year Air Force career. Doug met his wife, Nancy, on a blind date. They married in 1955 and were stationed in several locations where they welcomed their three children – Azores Islands (Richard), Washington D.C. (Joan), England (Kristin), Missouri, Pennsylvania, Easter Island, Washington State, Vietnam (2nd Bronze Star), and Thailand. His many other awards included the Air Force Commendation Medal. Doug was also a proud member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
He retired in 1980 and spent the rest of his life traveling the world with Nancy visiting every continent but Antarctica. They bought a 2nd home in Arizona and enjoyed skiing, golfing, fishing, birding, and spending time with their children and grandchildren.
Doug is survived by son, Rick Lowell, daughters Joan Lombardi (Mark), and Kris Blakeslee (Ken); five grandchildren, Jackson and Allie Lowell and Zach, Jake, and Katy Blakeslee; half-sister, Ritta Conley (Jim); brother-in-law Dwight Howell and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank Olympics West and Providence Hospice for caring for our dad in his last year.
A memorial service will be held at 1 pm, Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Mills and Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater. Graveside service with military honors will follow.
Please share memories at www.millsandmillsfunerals.com
Donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
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