Kenneth Franklin Lowe Jr.

Kenneth Franklin Lowe, Jr., 75, of Shepherdstown, WV, passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at WVU Berkeley Medical Center, Martinsburg, WV. Born September 17, 1948, in Charles Town, WV, he was the son of the late Kenneth Franklin Lowe, Sr., and Helen Louise Schultz.
Ken was a proud resident of Shepherdstown and the state of West Virginia, to which he commonly referred to as "the greatest small town in America" and "West by God Virginia". He was generous, kind, hard-working, innovative, and loved his family beyond measure.
Ken attended all levels of schooling in Shepherdstown culminating in graduation from Shepherdstown High School in 1966 where he played basketball and football. He was a 1970 graduate of Shepherd College with a degree in Political Science and Economics. He served as president of his senior class and was a member of the Shepherd College men's basketball team and, years later, the coaching staff.
Ken spent his earliest years around horses and began working in the mutuels at the Charles Town Race Track in his teens until he graduated from college. His love for the track led him to enrolling in the New York Jockey Club School for Racing Officials. For a time in the 1970s, he worked in various racing capacities until he embarked into a career in real estate and business development. He served as broker for Shepherdstown Realty and developed Liberty Business Park, US Coast Guard ISC, Eastern Management Development Center/Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, Comfort Suites-Martinsburg, and Lowe Gardens Apartments. He was recognized as WV Real Estate Entrepreneur of the Year in 1997.
Through the years, Ken was appointed to numerous state positions by WV governors from Arch Moore, II, to Jim Justice where he oversaw aspects from infrastructure to tourism. Ken was still serving as the WV Racing Commission Chairman upon his death. He also served as president of the Charles Town Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. The entire horseracing community of Charles Town had no stronger advocate than Ken. His strongest fight was always for the horsepeople.
Ken formed a close working relationship with the late Senator Robert C. Byrd to whom he served for several decades. In 2000, Ken was credited with being instrumental in bringing President Bill Clinton to the eastern panhandle for the Middle East Peace Talks.
Ken was an entrepreneur in business and real estate but always a constant local proponent and advocate for his alma mater, Shepherd College (University). He led many fundraising efforts for sports programs, buildings, and alumni. He played a pivotal role in the creation of the Butcher Athletic Center and helped bring the Washington Bullets (Wizards) to Shepherdstown for training camp in 1992.
Ken is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary F. Battista Lowe, Shepherdstown, WV; sons Kenneth Franklin "Tripp" Lowe, III (wife Nicole) of Shepherdstown, WV; Andrew Douglas Walper Lowe, of Shepherdstown, WV; granddaughters Cameron and Olivia Lowe; and granddog, Penny.
Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 14, 2024, at Covenant Baptist Church, 7485 Shepherdstown Pike, Shepherdstown, WV, with Pastor Joel Rainey officiating and inclusions of Reverend Ernest Lyles and Reverend Randall Tremba.
Friends will be received from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, September 13, 2024 at the church.
Private interment will be in Elmwood Cemetery, Shepherdstown, WV.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Ken's name to Shepherdstown Fire Department, PO Box F, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443; CTHBPA, 202 E. Liberty Street, Charles Town, WV, 25414; Jefferson County Community Ministries, 238 W. Washington Street, Charles Town, WV, 25414; Shepherd University Athletic Club, PO Box 5000, Shepherdstown, WV, 25443.
Arrangements are by the Melvin T. Strider Colonial Funeral Home, Ranson, WV.
Please sign his online guestbook at www.mtstrider.com
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