Morris Ray "Morrie" Lowe

Morris Ray "Morrie" Lowe, 57, of rural Mt. Pleasant, died Thursday, February 28, 2008, at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2008, at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel, where the family will receive friends from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. that afternoon. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, 2008 at the Olson - Powell Memorial Chapel, with the Rev. Jim Luder officiating. Private family burial will be in the Lambirth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to Hospice of Central Iowa, the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. On line condolences may be sent to www.olsonpowell.com Morris Ray Lowe was born June 27, 1950, in Charleston, MO, the son of Frank Sollie and Mary Elizabeth Burns Lowe. Ray spent his formative years in St. Louis, MO, Lomax, IL, Colusa, IL and was a 1968 graduate of Carthage High School in Carthage, IL. On July 19, 1970, he married Diana Lynn Bennett in Burlington, IA. Morrie worked at Heatilator (now Hearth and Home Technologies) for 25 years. He worked as a foreman and in the set-up operation in the fabrication department. He retired in 1997 due to his health. Ray enjoyed his computers and playing games on them. He loved woodworking and spending time in his shop. Many family members and friends received fine crafted gifts from his wood projects. He enjoyed fishing and camping trips with many family members and friends. Ray always looked forward to the combined Thanksgiving and Christmas family gatherings affectionately know as Thanksmas. He was a member of the Lockridge Saddle Club and the Salem Lions Club of which he had served as its president. Morrie was also a member of the Silver Circle Club of Hearth and Home Technologies. Survivors include his wife Diana of Mt. Pleasant, IA; two daughters, Janelle (Bob Bowman) Lowe and their children, Devon, Cody and Bryce of New London, IA, and Christy (Shane) Hribal and their children, Dalton and Mykenna of Creston, IA; three brothers, Robert (Linda) Lowe of Lomax, IL, Jim (Alice) Lowe of Machesney Park, IL, and Jerry (Mary Lea) Lowe of Carthage, IL; two sisters, Jean (Gary) Freeman of Carthage, IL, and Ann (Max) Londrie of Washington, IL. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Sam Lowe, and two sisters, Virginia Lowe in infancy and Pat Newbanks.