Neely Lowrie, 1922-2006
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Neely Lowrie, Tulsa Audubon Society lost a wonderful friend when Neely Lowrie passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2006. This was evident at his Memorial service which many birders (TAS members) attended. Neely grow up on a Texas farm which kindled his lifelong love of nature and the out-of-doors. After his retirement from CE Natco, he turned to TAS and began to pursue a whole new interest. With his easygoing, warm personality, Neely was soon an active participant in the Tuesday Morning Birders. It wasn’t long before he purchased a scope to go with his bird book and binoculars. These he readily shared with anyone interested. He succeeded in getting two of his three children plus several grandchildren interested in bird watching.

Neely contributed much to TAS. For seven years he was the chairman of the Interior Least Tern Committee. He organized daily summer observations and counts of nests, adults, and chicks along the Arkansas River. He and his wife, Ruthie, were Hospitality chairpersons for TAS from 1989-2001. Neely was on the TAS Board of Directors for three terms from 1992 – 2001. He chaired and then cochaired the Tuesday Morning Birders from 2000 - 2005. Neely and Ruthie were on almost all field trips, Christmas Bird Counts, Big Day Counts, and helped unload and sell birdseed during Bird Seed Sales. Additionally, he contributed to the Society by participating in the eagle census at the Lake Keystone roost, securing the bench on the River Parks path in memory of Fred Pianatto, and assisting with the bald eagle tours each winter.

We especially remember Neely's smile and joking sense of humor, which helped make our birding field trips a lot of fun! He and Ruthie were married 57 years, and their family includes 3 children and 11 grandchildren.

by Laurel Upshaw and Patty Moser

Tulsa World Obituary

LOWRIE — Neely E., 85, surrounded by his family went peacefully on Father’s Day, June 18, 2006. Born in Terrell, TX, to Dud and Lydia Lowrie. Veteran of World War II as 1st Lt. Army Corp of Engineers; Mason, member of Knights Templar Pilgrim Rock Lodge #5220. He received a Civil Engineering degree from Texas A&M, class of ’43. He worked for National Tank Company, C.E. Natco for 37 years, retiring in 1985. He thoroughly enjoyed a hobby of birdwatching, as a member of Tulsa Audubon Society and Oxley Nature Center. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren, who loved him dearly. He had been a member of Asbury United Methodist Church since 1968. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Nathan Scott West. He is survived by his wife, Ruthie, of 57 years; a brother, J.D. Lowrie; sister, Maureen Jacobsen; children, Bob and Linda Lowrie, Janiece and Rick West, and Marsha and Ralph Blackman; grandchildren, Bethany, Jonathan, and Brianna Lowrie, Kristin and Brad Shipman, Shannon and Roger Fisher, Amy and Brad Bookout, and Grant Blackman; and many nieces and nephews. Viewing 6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at Moore’s Southlawn. Service 1 p.m., Thursday, June 22, 2006 at Asbury United Methodist Church, Mason Chapel, 6767 S. Mingo Rd. Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers donations may be sent to Asbury United Methodist Church Building Fund or Word Among Us Ministries, Inc. P.O. Box 33178, Tulsa, OK 74153. Moore’s Southlawn Chapel, 663-2233.