A life composed of passion and played with spirit — Lee Ellis Lowry, a gifted oboist and devoted musician, leaves behind a lasting resonance in the community he loved. Lee passed away June 16, 2025, at his home in Lincoln.
To all who knew him, music was more than a talent for Lee — it was his voice, his passion, and his way of connecting with the world. A master of double-reed instruments including oboe, English Horn, and Oboe D’amore, he shared his love of music through years of local performances at Pinewood Bowl, ensembles at local churches including First Presbyterian, First Plymouth, and First Methodist, and as a member of the Lincoln Community Concert Band and Civic Orchestra. His performances created moments that left lasting impressions.
Lee was born April 27, 1945, to Everett James and Mary Annat (Lee) Lowry in McCook, Nebraska, the second of four children. His early passions included music, academia, chemistry, and swimming, interests that stayed with him throughout his life. After high school, he attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln earning a degree in Russian. He went on to do graduate work in Russian at the University of Kansas. He was a gifted linguist and spoke multiple languages. Later, he also attended Southeast Community College, earning a certification in Air Conditioning.
He first started working at Notifier in the late 1960s in the Quality Assurance Department and progressed to a Technician in Engineering and later Junior Engineer, a job that lasted almost 20 years. He then worked at Isco Industries for over 20 years as a Technical Writer, where his interest in languages was highlighted. In his spare time, Lee enjoyed working with electronics and restoring antique Christmas lights. An avid cyclist, Lee even cycled between Lincoln and his sister’s house in Grand Island.
Lee is survived by his sister Judith Crabtree formerly of Grand Island, Nebraska and now Johnston, Iowa, and his younger brother David Lowry (Sandra) of Euless, Texas. His younger brother Eric A. “Pete” (Diane) Lowry of Prescott Valley, Arizona. Pete met Lee in heaven on July 6, just three weeks after Lee’s passing. Lee also leaves behind nieces and nephews Kathy Reeves, Robert Crabtree, Garrick Lowry, Kristen Lowry, and Chris Lowry.
The family would also like to recognize the all the special friends and neighbors of Lee’s over the years. We also want to thank Sushant Timalsina for his recent friendship with Lee. Lee was proceeded in death by his parents Everette James Lowry and Mary Annat Lee Lowry and a brother in-law John Crabtree.
No services are planned, but the family would encourage your support of local cat rescue charities in Lee’s memory, especially The Phoenix Remix Animal Rescue a non-profit animal rescue who aided in rehoming Lee’s cats. www.thephoenixremixrescue.com