David Hard "Dave" Lowell

1934 - 2023

Mt. Dora - Lieutenant Colonel (USAF, retired) David H. Lowell, 88, died at home on November 2, 2023 after a five year battle with gastro-esophageal cancer. David, known for his passionate patriotism, affinity for debate and story-telling, unique sense of humor and wit, and knowledge of astronomy will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Born on December 14, 1934 to Helen Ash Turner and Blake Jay Lowell in Caldwell, Idaho, David received his Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Idaho in 1956. Upon graduating from college, David commenced his military service with the Air National Guard (1956-1958) then transferred to the regular Air Force. He served his nation for over 20 years as a B-47 and B-52 navigator and research-development program manager during the Vietnam War and the Cold War era. During his military service, he earned his MBA ('76) from Auburn University, AL while attending Air War College in Montgomery, AL.

David's flight experience and navigation expertise was key in transitioning from his final military position as program manager for a then-classified project related to the B-1 navigation system to employment with Boeing as a program manager on a classified program based in Wichita, Kansas. In time, he honed his negotiation and business skills, and took on the role of Senior Manager, Commercial Modification Programs, Wichita Division. He retired from Boeing after over 20 years of service.

While residing in Kansas, David avidly supported the initial legal case that fueled the Barker vs. Kansas, U.S. 594 (1992) action to prevent the state from taxing military retirement pensions. It was also during his residence in Kansas that he began a four-decade routine to escape summer heat by vacationing at his seasonal home near the Bay of Fundy in Alma, NB, Canada.

David is survived by his devoted wife of 50 years, Margaret McKinley Lowell; children, James (Susan, granddaughter Allison), Catherine Ann (Gerod, grandsons Louis, William, and granddaughter Laura), and Ian (Beth, grandsons Blake and Ethan).

A graveside inurnment ceremony in New Brunswick will be held in the summer of 2024. Condolences to the family, photos and memories can be shared through Baldwin Brothers funeral home, online tribute wall at https://baldwincremation.com/obituaries/lieutenant-colonel-david-h-lowell/