Frank H. Lowry Sr.

FRANK H. LOWRY, SR. AUG 31, 1923 - MAR 18, 2011 Frank H. Lowry, a beloved and loving husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away peacefully surrounded by his devoted family and clergy Friday morning in Modesto, CA. Frank was born in Los Angeles, CA to parents Frank and Ruby Lowry. During WWII, Frank served in a rifle company initially as an infantry scout and then as a squad leader in Company A, 276th Infantry Regiment, 70th Infantry Division (Trailblazers). Frank's service included combat action in France and Germany in the Ardennes- Alsace Campaign, the Rhineland Campaign and the Central Europe Campaign. Frank was awarded eight American medals, six French medals and three Belgian medals. His awards included the Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, and European Theater of Operations medal with three battle stars. He also was awarded a Direct Commission as 2nd Lieutenant. After his service in WWII, Frank returned home where he met and married his loving wife of 64 years, Dorothy, on November 23, 1946. Frank graduated with honors from Loyola University in June 1949 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. Frank went on to become a Certified Public Accountant. Frank was recalled to service during the Korean War serving in the U.S. Army as a Finance Officer. In 1952 Frank and Dorothy moved to Modesto where they raised their four children: Frank Jr., Geriann, Teresa, and Susie. He became partners with Mr. Chet Nattinger one of three CPAs in Modesto at that time. Frank was president of the San Joaquin Chapter, Cali- fornia Society of CPAs. He was president of the Estate Planning Council. He was a member of the Modesto Downtown Rotary, American Legion, VFW, 70TH Infantry Division, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and Retired Seniors. Frank and Dorothy were members of Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church when they first moved to Modesto. Later they became members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. They helped to build both parishes from their beginnings. Frank served on the Our Lady of Fatima Parish Council and served as a lector. He served on the St. Joseph's Parish Council and Finance Council. He also served as head usher for St. Joseph's. He was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight and District Deputy for the organization. He was the last charter member of the Serra Club, served for over 50 years and was a past president. He served on the Central Catholic High School Board of Directors and the Central Catholic High School Foundation Board. In his retirement, Frank authored an autobiography of his service during WWII History of Company A, 276th Infantry in WWII. He delivered talks to Service Clubs and Schools on the subject of Combat Infantrymen in WWII. He and Dorothy enjoyed traveling across country and to Europe. Frank also enjoyed playing golf and staying active at the SOS Club and Del Rio Country Club. Frank was preceded in death by his infant daughter Maureen, brother Jack Lowry and his son Frank Lowry Jr. Frank is survived by his wife Dorothy, brothers, Jerry Lowry and David Lowry, daughters, Geriann Wheeler, Teresa Scott (Jack) of Modesto and Susie Shaw (Randy) of Des Moines, Iowa. Frank's greatest joy was his grandchildren, Joe Wheeler, Sara Lowry, Frankie Lowry, Jr., Staff Sergeant, United States Army at Ft. Lewis, Maggie Lowry-Watkins (Glen), Jennifer Scott-Heim (Dan), Jack Scott, Jr., Amanda Shaw, Randall Shaw, and Lindy Shaw. During the last year of Frank's life he was blessed with a beautiful great-granddaughter, Julie Mae Watkins, who brought him such joy and happiness and brightened his days. A Rosary and visitation will be held at Franklin and Downs-McHenry Chapel, 1050 McHenry Ave. on Tuesday March 22, 2011 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM with a rosary at 6:00 PM. A Resurrection Mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church 1813 Oakdale Road on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 9:30 AM followed by a reception in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to one of the following organizations: St. Joseph's Catholic Church (Homeless Outreach Ministry or Youth Ministry) 1813 Oakdale Rd., Modesto, CA 95355 (209)551-4973 or The Modesto Serra Club Scholarship in care of Central Catholic High School Foundation, 200 S. Carpenter Rd., Modesto, CA 95351(209)524-6822. www.modbee.com/obituaries