Obituaries
David Eugene Lowe
( September 6, 1936 - November 3, 2023 )
David Eugene Lowe, 87, retired Lincolnton City Manager, passed away in the early hours of Friday, November 3, 2023.
David lived a life dedicated to his family, his friends, and in the service of others. He tirelessly worked to bring the Lincoln County Airport into reality. From his early life as a 1953 graduate of Lincolnton High School, through his years in the United States Air Force and Reserves, working as a photographer with Frazier Studio, selling real estate for Russell Stroupe, and as construction manager with Seth Lumber Company, it was when he was first employed for the Town of Lincolnton’s Water Treatment Plant that the door was opened to his future life’s work.
In 1963, David moved into the City Clerk position and eventually became City Manager of Lincolnton, a career that he loved for 30 years until his retirement in 1996. During this time he earned a degree from both the Municipal Administration School and the Government Executive Institute –School of Business Administration, UNC Chapel Hill.
He was a member of the International City Management Association, the North Carolina City County Managers Association, a member of the board of commissions of the North Carolina Municipal Power Agency as secretary and treasurer and the board of directors of the Resolutions Committee of the League of Municipalities. David also served as treasurer on the board for ElectriCities.
David exemplified the spirit of public service in the way he lived both in public and private life. He served through the Lincolnton Jaycees, holding many roles from treasurer, vice president, president and state director, selected as Outstanding Local President in the 10th District. Later David sat on the Board of Directors for Lincolnton Rotary Club and worked for the Cancer Research Fund and the United Way.
Following his retirement from the City of Lincolnton, he served as the Interim City Manager for Cherryville, NC, and Bessemer City, and served for a time as the director of the Cherryville Chamber of Commerce. He formed a consulting business, David E. Lowe & Associates, LLC.
He was the longtime Chair of the Lincoln County Airport Board. The David E. Lowe Field was dedicated in his honor in 2017.During these years David was also active on the Administrative board of First United Methodist Church, serving on the Transportation Committee and the Finance Committee.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, David lived his life to the fullest. He enjoyed spending time with his family at the house at Lake Hickory, and spinning tales about his early years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Modlin Lowe and Frances Roberts Lowe, and a sister, Linda Lowe Spicher.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Kay Davis Lowe, son Thad Elliott Lowe and wife Ginger of Lincolnton, and grandson Matthew David Lowe of Lincolnton; Kelly Elaine Lowe Kinard and husband Bucky of Lincolnton, granddaughters Katherine Elizabeth Kinard of Changwon, South Korea, and Susannah Leigh Kinard of Lincolnton. Sister Nancy Lowe Rhyne and husband Richie Rhyne of Lincolnton, nephew and nieces;, Kris Carpenter and wife Amy , Jennifer Black and husband Wesley, Sharon Munden and husband Matthew, Mark Summitt and wife Jennifer, Joshua Chapman and wife Justus and Laura Smith and husband Jeff; and many grand-nieces and nephews.
Posted on 05 Nov 2023
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125 Dave Warlick Drive
Lincolnton, NC 28092
704/735-2521