William Lowry

W. L. “Bill” Lowry, 86, of Avella, passed away on Wednesday, September 13, 2017, in Donnell House, with his family by his side. He was born in Washington on May 20, 1931, a son of the late Lawrence and Florence Davidson Lowry. Mr. Lowry graduated from Hickory High School in 1950, and attended Friendship Community Church in Washington. Born into the farm life, Mr. Lowry continued farming his entire life.  He founded Lowry’s Guernsey Dairy and operated it for 28 years.  In addition, he was co-owner with his wife, Donna, of Lowry’s Western Shop, which was established in 1969.  He went on to operate Lowry’s Carriage Service, which provided English carriages for weddings.  Mr. Lowry owned an original Wells Fargo stagecoach that he took to the Macy’s Parade in Pittsburgh as well as to area festivals using his beloved Belgian horses. He continued to farm with his cherished nephew, Billy Litman, and the help of his grandson, Elmo “Jake.” Mr. Lowry loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, a love that will remain with them forever. On August 24, 1951, in Houston Methodist Church, he married Donna Bowen, who survives. Also surviving are three daughters, Gail Eileen (Elmo) Cecchetti of McDonald, Darlene Lynn (Joe) Engle of Michigan and Sharon Kay Cilia of Hickory; five grandchildren, Tara Lynn (Matt) Reeder, Elmo (Ashlie) Cecchetti, Elysia Cecchetti, Elliott Cecchetti and Andrew Cilia; and three great-grandchildren, Caleb, Graci and Rebekah. Deceased are a brother, Robert Lowry, and two sisters, Jane Litman and Ann Litman. Friends will be received Friday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, September 16th, with Rev. Rick Bruckner officiating.  Burial will follow in West Middletown Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Donnell House, Concordia Hospice of Washington, 10 Leet Street, Washington, PA 15301, or to Friendship Community Church, PO Box J, Washington, PA 15301.