Colonel John William Lowden Jr. (Ret.)

John William Lowden Jr., 97, died on September 26, 2026, at home after a long illness. John was born on January 3, 1929, in East Braddock, Pennsylvania, the son of John William and Dorothy Lowden. He spent his early years in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, where he was a proud Eagle Scout. He graduated from McKeesport High School after serving as class President and Captain of the football team.

John attended Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in Lexington, Virginia, on a football scholarship, where he played on several winning teams. Upon his graduation he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Army. His love for VMI never diminished. The values and virtues instilled in him there remained a defining part of his character throughout his life. John married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Rex White in 1952 and their marriage lasted 74 years through the many demands and adventures of a military life and into their retirement years together in Williamsburg, VA.

John spent 26 years in the United States Army, including 18 months of service in the Korean War and two tours of duty in Vietnam. His military service was recognized with numerous decorations and awards, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.

Following his retirement from the Army, John spent ten years with General Electric's Aerospace Division. In 1989, he and Barbara relocated from Alexandria, Virginia, to Williamsburg, Virginia, where they have remained. John stayed active throughout his retirement. He enjoyed golf, gardening, traveling with family and his beloved dogs, Russell and Scooter. He especially cherished opportunities to play some of the great golf courses of Scotland and Ireland. By nature, he was reserved but his quiet strength, sense of responsibility, and steadfastness were qualities that defined him both in his family life and throughout his career. John was a long-time member of the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.

Buck is survived by his wife of 74 years, Barbara White Lowden, of Williamsburg, Virginia; daughter Linda W. Moses (Henry) of Sumter, South Carolina; son John R. Lowden (Amy) of Greenwich, Connecticut; and son John W. Lowden III (partner Layton Grier) of Richmond, Virginia. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Buck's remains will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.