Ronald Edward Lowrance

Ronald Edward Lowrance, 77, of Reidland, KY passed away at home Saturday, July 1, 2017.

He is survived by his dear angel wife and best friend of 54 years, Joy; sister Melva Simons (Walter) of Elk Grove, CA; daughters Melanie Henson 51 (Michael) of Calvert City, KY, Marianne Power (Sean) 47 of St. Louis, MO, Elizabeth Faulhaber 45 (Robert) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and sons David 49 of Adrian, MI and Steven 41 (Becca), of West Lafayette, IN.  He had three grandchildren, Brittany Westerman 27, of St Louis, MO, Aidan Power 7 of St. Louis, MO, Sophia Lowrance 4, of West Lafayette, IN, and many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his father Ransom “Doc” Lawrence, mother Wanda Leona Childers, and Sisters Annette Chandler and Jeanette Checchi

Ronald was born on April 9, 1940 in Bisbee, Arizona.  Immediately following high school, he served our country as a member of the United States Navy.  Ronald was a Petty Officer, Second Class, serving aboard the USS Forestall in addition to shore duty on the Mediterranean island nation of Malta.  Following his honorable discharge, he was baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in San Diego.  Shortly thereafter he met the love of his life, Joy, in Bellflower, CA.  They were married for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles Temple.  Ronald graduated with a bachelor degree in chemistry from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, and he later earned a master of business administration degree from Golden Gate University in San Francisco, CA.

Ronald worked many years as a scientist, helping to make key discoveries in the field of polymer chemistry and coatings.  He moved to Kentucky in 1994 to work for Estron Chemicals and ISP, both of Calvert City, KY.  In retirement, Ron started and maintained a successful handyman business and was a very popular substitute teacher in the McCracken County school district.
Ronald was involved in his church, where he was a High Priest in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served in numerous callings including the Stake High Council of the Renton, Washington Stake, Bishop of the Possum Trot, KY ward, and Stake Patriarch in the Paducah, KY stake.  His service as a lay minister was appreciated by many in the congregation, as he was known as a compassionate man who accepted and loved all of God’s children, regardless of where they were in their life’s journey.

Ronald was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America.  He served at numerous times as a Scoutmaster and Explorer Post advisor, among other leadership positions.  He was a graduate of the Wood Badge Leadership program and a member of the Order of the Arrow, a fraternal brotherhood of the Boy Scouts committed to developing cheerfulness, brotherhood, and service, among young men.  Ronald was wildly popular amongst the boys, and especially his sons, for his caring attitude, vivid campfire stories, and Dutch oven cobblers, all of which enriched every campout he attended.

Ronald was most proud of his children.  He was able to see each of his five children graduate from college, and two of them also served honorable church missions, to Estonia and Australia respectively.  However, most people will remember Ronald for his quiet demeanor, strong hands, and soft heart.  He was a Godly man, and was loved and admired by many.  His love of God and his relationship with his Savior Jesus Christ was clearly evident in all of his actions, at work, at home, and in the community.  He will be missed far more than can words can express.

Funeral arrangements have been made through Lindsey’s Funeral Home of Paducah, KY.  A viewing will be held at the Paducah Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church at 320 Birch St, Paducah, KY from 9 am to 10:30 am Saturday July 8, 2017.  The funeral will follow at 11:00 am at the same location.  Interment will follow at Mount Kenton Cemetery on Lone Oak Road in Paducah.  Following services, a potluck luncheon in his honor will be provided for all interested individuals at the Paducah LDS church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you take a walk in the woods, attend a local baseball game, help a neighbor in need, give a loved one a big hug, tell a happy story, or eat a wild berry cobbler.