Howard E. Lowen

Although he may have been set in his ways and had his own way of doing things, there was no denying how much Howard Lowen loved and adored his family. Howard enjoyed the simpler things in life, and it didnt take much to make him happy. A personable fellow, he could hold a conversation with anyone, and he counted his time living at the lake as the most memorable times of his life. Gone yet never to be forgotten, Howard leaves much to be remembered.

By 1932, the economy continued to deteriorate as a result of the Great Depression. Unemployment increased to over 24 percent with an astounding 13 million out of work. Many struggled to keep their families fed and a roof over their heads. Even so, the entertainment industry grew by leaps and bounds and was a welcome deviation from everyday worries. Yet for Eugene T. and Leah I. (Brookins) Lowen, the year offered hope and promise as they celebrated the birth of their son, Howard E. Lowen, Sr. on June 8, 1932.

Born in the small village of Convoy, Ohio, Howard was raised in Fort Wayne, Indiana where he attended the local schools. He was one of four children and grew up alongside his siblings, Jim, Bill, and Ruth. From his earliest years, there was no place Howard loved being than enjoying the outdoors. He led a typical childhood for a boy of his generation and he was always up for an adventure. Howard attended Central High School just as the Korean War was news of the day. Stationed in New Jersey, he went on to proudly serve his country in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954.

It was during this time in Howards life when he met and married his sweetheart, Rosemary L. Carney in Fort Wayne on October 4, 1952. Only the beginning of many good years together, there was much the couple enjoyed doing together. Foremost in Howards life was welcoming the birth of his sons, Howard Jr. and Kevin. For 32 years, Howard supported his family working in maintenance at Zollner Piston in Fort Wayne. He taught his boys the value of doing their very best, no matter the task at hand. Howard led by way of example which taught his sons well. He wanted so much for his sons, and the proudest day of his life was seeing them all graduate from high school. In their younger years, Howard and Rosemary loved hunting together, buying and selling antiques, making trips to Shipshewana.

Howard and Rosemary built a home together on Winchester Road in Fort Wayne where numerous and fond memories were shared and enjoyed. In 1967 Howard bought some land at Little Crooked Lake where he rented out cottages and boats. He also went on to own a bait store and campground. He got to know many of his regulars well. The family bought a home at Crooked Lake, and eventually their current home at Loon Lake. In Howards opinion, he always felt there was no need for vacations when everything they needed was at their place on the lake. They loved the relaxed atmosphere, and it was truly a place where a man could collect his thoughts. Spending time at the lake was paradise for Howard. He loved it there with his good friends and all of his neighbors. Howard made the time to sit and chat over a good cup of coffee. He enjoyed visiting his good friends, Boyd and Marsha for coffee and Sunday breakfast.

Howard retired in 1989 from Zollner Piston, and enjoyed his retirement. A Whitley County resident since 1967 Howard and Rose were members of United Methodist Church. Although he was never a religious man, whenever Howard and his son, Howard Jr. got to talking about God, his son knew when the discussion was over when Howard would say, The good ole boy upstairs and I have an understanding.

Howard was a creature of habit. He loved miracle Friday playing poker with his buddies, and when it came to TV, he loved watching westerns, war stories, and viewing The History Channel. A day in Howards life was not right without his love for doughnuts, coffee, his cigarettes, and reading the newspaper. And quite often, his mischievous side found him playing tricks on people he knew and loved. More than anything, however, was Howards love for spending time with his grandchildren and great-granddaughters that were the delight of his life.

For these things and so much more, Howard will be deeply missed and dearly remembered by all who had the opportunity to know and love him.

Howard E. Lowen, Sr., age 84, of Columbia City, IN passed away at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, November 4, 2016, at Parkview Regional Medical Center, Fort Wayne. Survivors include his son, Howard (Jody) Lowen Jr. of Columbia City; daughter-in-law, Gloria Lowen of Columbia City; grandchildren Taylor (Britt) Lowen, Gabe (Cassie) Lowen, Naomi Lowen, Nathan Lowen all of Columbia City; great-grandchildren, Harker, Sutton, Liston, Aria, Ashley, and Debra; brothers, Jim (Annette) Lowen of Seattle, WA and Bill Lowen of Fort Wayne; sister, Ruth Nicholson of Fort Wayne. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Leah Lowen; his beloved wife of 59 years, Rosemary Lowen; son, Kevin Lowen; sister-in-law, Laura Lowen; and brother-in-law; Dick Nicholson.

Friends may call on Friday, November 11, 2016, from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City, with a memorial service to immediately follow at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Howard may be made to the Whitley County Humane Society. To leave a favorite memory or photo of Howard and to sign his online guest register and to send a condolence, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .