J. Lowell NEER

1919 - 2017

NEER, J. Lowell 98, of Springfield died July 3, 2017 at his residence in the Masonic Community in Springfield. The second son of the late Paul J. and Grace Briggs Neer, he was born April 25, 1919 on the family farm in Pleasant Township, Clark County, near Catawba, Ohio. He married Dorothy Miller (who survives him) on November 22, 1947 and would have soon celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. He is also survived by two sons, Dr. Keith Lowell Neer and wife, Regina of Batavia, Ohio and Bart Frederick Neer and wife, Karen of South Vienna, Ohio. There are five grandchildren, Michelle and husband, Dr. Bennie Upchurch of Columbus, Ohio, Brent Neer and wife Megan of Catawba, Jennifer and husband Mathew Robinson of Independence Ky. Also, Julie and her husband, Joshua Jennings of Springfield, Eric Neer and wife Saran of Mechanicsburg. He is also survived by nine great grandchildren, Olivia and Gavin Upchurch, Josie and Jillian Jennings, Hailey, Aiden and Briggs Neer, Eli and Ian Robinson. Two nieces, Mary Kay Russell and Ruth Ann George also survive him. In addition he leaves several grand nieces and nephews and many friends. His parents and a brother, Briggs and his wife, Marguerite Neer preceded him in death. He was devoted to his family, his Church and the life of farming. Lowell was the third generation to own the family farm continuing to work the soil until he was 91, with the sole purpose of leaving the land more productive each year. He was a lifelong member of the Catawba United Methodist Church where he served as a trustee most of his adult life, was a member of the Administrative Board, and served many years as Sunday School superintendent. He also served as Township Trustee for three terms retiring in 1990. He was also a member of the Clark County Farm Bureau. From the age of five until moving to the Masonic Community in 2010, he resided with his family on Pleasant View Farm. In their later life Lowell and Dorothy enjoyed traveling widely with friends. More recently, Lowell was recognized for having graduated from Catawba High School in 1937 (eighty years). A gathering will be held for family and friends at the LITTLETON & RUE FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 10:00-11:30 am. Lowell's funeral service will be held at the same location starting at 11:30 am with Chaplain Bruce Vincent officiating. A private burial will be held at a later time in Vernon Asbury Cemetery, Pleasant Township, Clark County. Condolences may be paid to the family at www.littletonandrue.com. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to be made to the Catawba United Methodist Church or Hospice of the Miami Valley.