Loyd Alvie “Sug” Lowe, age 90, gained his heavenly wings on September 28th, 2019. Surrounded by his family, he walked peacefully into the arms of Jesus. Loyd lived a full life in his 90 years. It started in Mart, Texas in 1928 where he grew up with ten siblings playing every sport known to man. His love of football led to him playing for the Panthers. As co-captain, he helped lead the team to an undefeated season and making the Panthers the Regional champions in 1946. In 1947, he attended North Texas State College on an athletic scholarship, which landed him on the football team and track team. Three years of lettering in both sports gave him many lifelong friends and opportunities that changed his life. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1951, Loyd was recruited to play for two years in the United States Air Force. It was during this time he was able to follow in his brothers footsteps serving his country and continue honing his athletic skills. This led to him being drafted as a defensive back for the Chicago Bears from 1953-1955. His time with the Bears was short but impactful. He learned many life lessons from Coach George Halas and his staff; with the most important being what it means to be a team player in life. After leaving the Bears, Loyd’s desire to help others and his love of sports started his coaching career at Tarleton State College as an assistant coach. Coaching and teaching moved him around in life. He spent time doing what he loved in various Texas towns: Kermit, Dallas, Sweetwater, Rockdale and ended in Marlin. After retiring from school administration in 1981, Loyd moved to Rockwall, Texas and opened a pawn shop with some close friends. This was a new adventure for him and his family. He was able to continue doing what was most important to him and that was helping others.
The one thing that meant the most to Loyd was family and that was evident in his relationships with his children and granddaughters. He was happiest when spoiling his grandkids and spending time with them. He enjoyed being a part of their school, sports and church activities and being Granddad to their friends. Granddad would do anything his granddaughters asked: play dolls, get his finger nails painted, watch “Pirates of the Caribbean II” having no clue what the movie was about, being #1 supporter at pig shows and ball games, attending piano/dance recitals and numerous other activities. Family knew they were loved by Loyd every time they were around him. His hugs, smile and favorite phrase “KEEP CHOPPING” were always shared and left you feeling encouraged.
Loyd is survived by his children:
Kermit Lowe and wife Cheryl of Riesel, Texas and Loya Merritt and
husband Brett of Rockwall, Texas; granddaughters: Samantha Wagner and
husband Aaron of Salina, Kansas, Callie Merritt of Fate, Texas, and Cale
Merritt of Rockwall, Texas; great granddaughter: Lydia Avery Wagner of
Salina, Kansas. He is also survived by a host of nieces and dear
friends. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ann Lowe; his parents,
Jesse and Maggie Lowe; siblings and spouses: Truman and Opal, Kennon and
Jimmie, Dean and Louella, Gail and Addie, Sybil and Preacher, Bud and
Lorene, Glenn and Doris, Ellis and Retta, Guy and Jean, Dwain and
Dorothy, and Wendell.
The family would like to thank the caregivers
of Hope Health and Hospice and the staff and caregivers at Lakeshore
Assisted Living for their kindness and love during dad’s time with them.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 1st, 2019 at Still Water Community Church in Rowlett, Texas with Pastor Kurt Horting officiating. The family will receive beloved friends and guests beginning at noon on the same day. Interment will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Rockwall, Texas. The family requests in lieu of flowers that donations be made to one or both of the following: Still Water Community Church in memory of Loyd Lowe (https://swccrowlett.org/give) and Mart High School Athletics in memory of Loyd Lowe (Mart Panther Club, Care of: Mart High School “In Memory of Loyd Lowe”, 700 E. Navarro Street, Mart, TX 76664).
