Buford Orange Lowery

Buford Orange Lowery

Buford Orange Lowery was born in a log cabin in Etoile, Texas on Jan. 12, 1932 to Ephraim Orange Lowery and Era Pate Lowery. He died Oct. 17, 2025 in Round Rock at the age of 93. 

Buford grew up outside of Etoile on his family's ranch. Some of his fondest memories were of meeting his cousin and hero Lance C. Wade, an ace fighter pilot and wing commander for the RAF during WWII. He also recounted tales of getting candy and gum from the German prisoners of war who worked out of a camp in Chireno. For a piece of gum, he let one of them ride his horse. The German man took off full speed down the dirt road until he was out of sight. Buford knew he was in big trouble. But shortly, the horse and rider, with a big grin on his face, came tearing back down the road. 

Growing up on a farm, Buford learned early about life's responsibilities. He had chores, took care of livestock and worked in the fields. Despite this, his life was filled with adventure while running through the forests of East Texas.

At the age of 14, his family moved to Austin so that his younger sister could attend the school for the blind. For Buford, it was a culture shock from life in the country. He soon adapted, started high school, delivered drugs for Hyde Park Pharmacy and met his future wife, Peggy Adler.

Buford served this country in the Air Force and retired as a senior master sergeant. He kept the fighter jets flying during several tours of duty in Vietnam. He was stationed in Korea; Okinawa; Misawa, Japan; Clark Air Base, Philippines; Lackland AFB, San Antonio; England AFB, Louisiana; Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan; and Travis AFB, California. Buford went on to oversee jet engine maintenance with the Civil Service at Bergstrom AFB in Austin. 

Following their retirement, Buford and Peggy spent years exploring all 50 states, as well as traveling into Mexico and Canada, in their motorhome.

Buford is survived by his wife of 73 years Peggy Ruth Adler Lowery and their six sons and three daughters. Sons and daughters include: Stephen Lowery (Diane) of Round Rock; Michael Lowery (Terri) of Liberty Hill; Debi Ryan of Nacogdoches; Denise Lowery (Kent Rabe) of Spring; Mark Lowery of McDonough, Georgia; Paul Lowery of Liberty Hill; Anthony Lowery (Gegga) of Saudi Arabia; David Lowery of Round Rock; and Diane Malner (Mike) of Round Rock. He is survived by 12 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by one grandson, Jason Hodges. 

Buford Lowery was an honorable man, who with his wife Peggy, kept this rowdy bunch alive and well while traveling the world. We will miss him deeply.

A graveside service will be held at Blue Springs Cemetery in Etoile at a later date.