Neil “Dean” Lowe went to meet Jesus on January 27, 2022. He left this life as he lived it — in his cherished home, surrounded by his beloved family.
Dean was born on February 9, 1938 to Leo and Edythe Lowe in Ames, Iowa. When he was just an infant, his family moved to a home on the beach, at the end of Palm Street in Ventura, California. He attended May Henning School and Ventura High School. In 1955, he married the love of his life, Carlene McKeown. They enjoyed their lives together for over 66 years, raising three children and creating a lifetime of deep love and enduring memories.
Dean worked for the Ventura Star Free Press as a printer for 26 years, and then as Maintenance Director at Ventura Missionary Church for another quarter century. A man of many talents and interests throughout his life, you might have found him sharpening his photography skills, collecting and repairing antique clocks, traveling the world, reading up on civil war history, or beating you in a raucous game of pinochle.
Dean was a master storyteller. He had a unique way of making his listeners feel as though they were being transported to different times and places with each story of humor, history, or adventure. Just ask his many grandchildren who were convinced for years that their “Pada'' was one of the three munchkins in the Wizard of Oz film, as well as the real Santa Claus.
Dean was always a fighter, battling leukemia in 1995 and surviving after a life-saving bone marrow transplant from his brother, Leon. This miracle allowed him to take part in many mission trips and holidays across the world (including driving a nuclear powered US submarine), births of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and simple mornings sipping coffee and chatting with his sweetheart.
Dean was a good man who lived an extraordinary life. He loved his family, his hometown, and most of all, Jesus Christ. We know that he is at peace in heaven as he waits for us there.
Dean is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Carlene; his dear children, Mark (Wendy), daughter-in-law Marie, Brenda (Dave), and Marty (Mary); siblings Alice Bickle, Jo Carol (Joe) DeBoard, and Keith (Ginny) Lowe; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Leon and his parents Leo and Edythe Lowe. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Susan Cox and Gina Hall, who lovingly cared for Dean and brought joy to their home these last few months. We would also like to thank Livingston Hospice Services for their kindness and caring.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service to be held Saturday February 5, 2022 at 11 am in Ventura Missionary Church, Foothill Road Ventura.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.