Orville Theodore "Ted" Lowe

Born Aug. 8, 1920, Orville Theodore (Ted) Lowe was the son of William J. Lowe and Ella Bush, of Verden, Okla. William was a rancher and WWI veteran. Ted is survived by a younger brother, three children, numerous grand- and great-grand kids. Ted grew up working on his parents' ranch, and received show ribbons for animal husbandry. He enjoyed sports and was on Verden's high school basketball team. He enlisted in the US Army at WWII's beginning, and also helped in recruitment centers. His unit was in numerous battlefronts in Germany where he was captured and marched hundreds of miles in winter to a Polish internment camp. He remained as a POW for 18 months, until the Russian army freed the camp. Ted met Margie Jean Johnson, of Tulsa, Okla., prior to the war in college and they were married. After his release as a prisoner, he went back home still on duty. Margie and Ted traveled for over 60 years. Travel highlights include Japan, Alaska, Vietnam, Germany and Iran. In 1946, he was in charge of hundreds of local workers at a large hydroponic farm in Japan which helped feed US forces in the Pacific region, just after the war's end. He retired after 30 years as Lt. Colonel, and was awarded Silver Stars, two Purple Hearts, and other medals reflecting his notable career. Memorial service with Honor Guard was held at Collinsville Dolton Funeral Home for family & friends on Sept. 1, 2018. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to your local charity.