Patrick Jack Lowrie, Jr.

Patrick "Pat" Lowrie Jr., departed this life peacefully on the evening of Wednesday, December 2, 2009 in Harlan, Iowa. His lovely wife of nearly 47 years, Frances Colleen (nee Hagan) and granddaughter Blaise Frances Lowrie preceded Pat in his journey. Pat was born September 12, 1923, in Eustis, FL, where he spent his entire childhood. Not yet 16, Pat was allowed to travel with a relative to work at the 1939 New York World’s Fair. Before the age of 18, Pat answered the call to duty, as did many other brave young men of his era, and joined the U.S. Navy. It was during this time of service that he met his future wife, Fran, at a USO event in St. Louis. After a significant courtship, Pat and Fran joined forces and subsequently delivered five crumb snatchers into this world: Patrick III, Diana (Mike) Gifford, Ried, Julie (Don) Landes, and Rebecca (Larry) Haywood. Pat provided for his family as a proud and skilled craftsman of the Carpenters’ District Council of St. Louis - Millwright Local Union #602. Never having met a stranger, Pat was always willing to lend his skills to help others. Often the adventurer, Pat had the good fortune to count among his hobbies, motorcycling, flying, and canoeing. Having grown up with the ‘Chain of Lakes’ figuratively in his backyard, it was the water that he loved the most. During their last twenty years in St. Louis, Pat and Fran spent many weekends enjoying their cabin cruiser on the Alton pool of the Mississippi River. After retirement, Pat and his first Mate returned to his boyhood home of Eustis, FL. With Lake Eustis literally in their backyard, Pat resumed a boyhood activity, kayaking, which he enjoyed until he was 80 years of age. The highlight of this hobby was a float taken in the Everglades with his friends from the local kayak club. Pat was blessed with 10 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Services: Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 9 from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Harden-Pauli Funeral Home, 1617 S. Bay St., Eustis, FL 32727. Graveside services will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 2:00 p.m. Online Guest Book available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.