Lowell Lee Roach, devoted husband, father, and grandfather went to be with Jesus on August 10, 2023.
Lowell Roach was born on June 18,1934 to Raymond and Ruth (Wilson) Roach in Johnston City, IL.
Graduating from Johnston City High School in 1952, Lowell had a strong sense of patriotism and chose to enlist in the U.S. Navy for three years during the Korean Conflict. During his time overseas he served aboard the USS Kearsarge, the USS Yorktown, and the USS Midway. He was a Communication Specialist Seaman PO3 when he received an Honorable Discharge in 1955 at the completion of his service.
Returning home from his service, Lowell met Rosetta Dawson while attending a church service in Gas City, IN. Within 6 months, they were married and began their life together. They were blessed with 55 years together before Rosetta’s passing in 2011. In 2012, Lowell met Joyce Burgan at a euchre game, and they began dating. In October of 2012, they were wed in a beautiful outdoor service amidst their family and friends at the Gardens of Matter Park.
Lowell was a devoted husband and father. He worked hard to provide for his family, and he had a very generous heart. After marrying Rosetta, they moved to Chicago where he began his work at Wanzer Dairy, moving from there to Sutter Dairy in Indiana, then to Belle Fiber Paper Packaging in Marion, IN. He was approached by a recruiter to work as a Prudential Life Insurance agent and was then recruited by Bill Patterson to open a State Farm agency in Gas City in 1966. Lowell worked hard to establish himself in Gas City; often going door-to-door to introduce himself. He quickly made it clear that he had a genuine love and commitment to the Mill Township area. Lowell’s career with State Farm was filled with accomplishments at the highest level. Aside from his insurance work, Lowell served as a Gas City Volunteer Firefighter for 10 years. He was a member of the Gas City Kiwanis Club for over 50 years; a member of the Gas City Jaycees; the Gas City Chamber of Commerce; and a charter member of the Gas City Area Chamber of Commerce. Giving back to the community was a thread of his DNA that was evident to everyone he met.
Lowell had a deep commitment to Jesus Christ. From his childhood, he had spiritual roots in the Church of God of Prophecy. He held various leadership roles in the Gas City Church of God of Prophecy and was instrumental in securing the land where the current church sits. He continued to serve in various leadership roles as he transitioned to other churches in Grant County.
Lowell was a great parent and grandparent. Some of the grand kid’s favorite memories were often sneaking the kids off for a fishing trip, rides to Vogel’s Donuts, Dairy Queen, and to get Richard’s fried chicken. One of his favorite activities was roller skating and he taught each of them the art of skating!
Lowell was the 8th child of 11. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers and sisters: Geraldine Roach (infant), Evelyn Fowler, Harold Roach, Eugene Roach, Vera Dodd, Betty Taylor and Mildred Hendershott. His surviving sisters are Dorothy Josleyn, Lynda Tidwell and JoAnn Tidwell.
Lowell is survived by his current wife, Joyce (Wildoner) Roach just shy of 11 years of marriage. Children Dennis (Cindy) Roach, Debra (Matthew) Foster; four grandchildren, Meredith, Courtney, Timothy, and Katrin. Joyce’s daughters are Bobbie Gaertig, Kimberly Gebert, Lisa Crone, Theresa Rowland and Lori Maggard. Joyce has 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Colonial Oaks Health and Rehabilitation Center for their loving attention to Lowell. Special “thank you” to Southern Care Hospice, Vicki,Terri and Sheila in particular, for keeping his final days comfortable.
The family will receive visitors from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at Needham- Storey-Wampner Funeral and Cremation Service, 400 E. Main St., Gas City, IN 46933.
A Funeral Service to celebrate Lowell’s life will begin at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Eastview Wesleyan Church, 414 N. 10th St., Gas City, IN 46933. Pastor Noah Farmer, Pastor Ken Dykoff, Pastor Mark Atkinson, Dr. Carol Taylor, and Frank Kilcline will be officiating. A viewing will be held from 9:00 am to 9:45 am, prior to the service. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Roach Family Trust, PO BOX 104, Gas City IN 46933.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.