Longtime Plymouth businessman, Lowell R. Greenlee, 86, passed away Sunday morning, July 17, 2011 at 5:50 a.m. in the Bremen Health Care of natural causes. Lowell was an Olive Trail resident in Plymouth for the past 50 years.
He was born in Plymouth on February 26, 1925, the son of Robert E. and Rena M. (Lawrence) Greenlee.
Lowell graduated from West High School in 1943, there he was a standout 5’10” center on the basketball team which at the time had no indoor court. Later he would remain active from the mound playing fastpitch softball for the “Franklin Scrappers” and “Plymouth Merchants”.
After graduation, Lowell was off to the Great Lakes Naval Base and served on the USS Alnitah as a Radioman Second Class in the Pacific Theater during WWII.
After the war, Lowell attained a Business Degree from Indiana University. He then entered the field of insurance and later partnered with Fred Morrow from 1967 until his retirement in 1990 from the Morrow Insurance Agency in Plymouth.
On June 17, 1947 in Donaldson, Lowell took as his bride the former Ethel M. Bergman and together they have enjoyed 64 wonderful years. Ethel survives with their three sons and families. They are: Robert L. Greenlee of Plymouth and his daughter, Gina C. Greenlee. Phil F. and Yung J. Greenlee of Plymouth and children; Debra S. Lockhart and Doreen S. Ruggles. Larry K. Greenlee of Waterville, Ohio and children; Adam K. Greenlee, Drew W. Greenlee and Leah M. Rowe. Five great grandchildren include: Hadley, Asia, Breanne, Rebecca and Brandon.
Lowell was a great dad and always present and accounted for at his sons many activities. He also took great pride in maintaining his property on Olive Trail and enjoyed watching a good Chicago Bear game.
Lowell was raised in the Methodist faith and had then attended Trinity United Methodist.
In the community he has been involved with the American Legion Post 27, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Marshall Co. Post 1162, and the Eagles, Moose and Elks Lodges.
A family service will take place with burial in the New Oakhill Cemetery.
The family would request as a preferred form of memorial that contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516 or visit: www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Mary Pat (Fehrer) Kubina says
Dear Ethel, Bob, Phil, Larry & families,
We are so sorry to hear about Lowell\’s passing. He was most definitely a favorite of mine & a great man! He will be missed very much but his memory will stay with everyone!
God Bless ALL of you and please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. It\’s very hard to let someone go, but know that he is in a MUCH better place.
Love,
Jay & Mary Pat (Fehrer) Kubina
Kris says
We were very saddened to hear the news of Lowell\’s passing. I have very fond and funny memories of our neighborly get togethers!! He will be truly missed. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to comfort your family and give you peace and strength thru this time.
All our love!
The Fehrer Family
Sherry and Gary
Mary Pat and Jay
Dave and Carol
Kris and Doug
Sherry says
We were so very sorry to hear of Lowell\’s passing. He was always ready with a smile and a kind word. Our family has many happy memories of family get togethers with the Greenlee family. Please know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. God Bless You All.
Gary and Sherry
Sue Johnson Filley says
Ethel and family,
I am so sorry. Words always fail me when I need them most but know that you are in my thoughts and I hope that memories comfort you and you feel peace soon. You are special to me and you will always be my Ideal Lady.
Sue Johnson Filley
Jean Peterson says
Ethel,
We go back a few years and I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy over the passing of Lowell. Our days at Travelers Insurance were great. Meeting so many nice people. A lot of nice memories.
Ken and I enjoyed you and Lowell. I lost Ken a year ago this April.
I\’ll be thinking of you at this difficult time.
If you are ever in South Bend, please look me up.
God Bless you and your family.
Jean Peterson
Becky Burt says
Ethel and family,
Bj and I are so sorry to hear about Lowell. He was a wonderful man! So many memories for us!! May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Remember that we love and care about you!
Bj and Becky Burt
Sue Chase says
Ethel and Boys, Larry and I are so sorry that we cannot be there for you all. I remember Lowell\’s great smile and that \”Greenlee\” sense of humor. What a great role model for you all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Love Sue and Larry
Dan Kubley says
Ethel Bob and Phil and Larry,
Sorry for your loss. I remember his ferver for IU basketball. Your family will be in our prayers.
Dan and Susie Kubley
Dawn McCrory says
So sorry to hear of Lowell\’s passing. We are praying for you during this hard time. May God\’s strength and the joy of happy memories bring you all peace and comfort.
Dawn (Glock) and Greg McCrory and family
BettyWilcockson says
Bob, Phil and Larry,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of you Father. It is a very difficult time! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless you all!
Betty
Fred Funk says
Dear Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you
Kathy Alexander says
My Sincerest condolances to the Family of Lowell Greenlee. Your Family and our Community has lost a fine gentleman. Peace Be with you all.
Joe Elkins says
Dear Ethel, Bob, Phil, Larry, and family,
My heart is saddened by the passing of Lowell. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Lowell has always been one of my favorite people. The situations I remember about him are many – and most bring laughter and tears. But the thing about Lowell that stands out in my mind is his role as loving husband and father. He was totally committed to his family – and proud of each and every one of you!
Bobby, I know how much you loved your Dad. He was a pillar and a wonderful mentor to you. We had some great moments with your Dad. Remember \”Bobby birdied 18 barefooted\”? Remember \”Sobber Bungie\”? Ethel, remember when we went to the game at Ball State for one of Bob\’s games, and they told Lowell that he couldn\’t park in a certain place. Lowell responded \”Watch me\”. At the game, we sat behind the parents of the Indiana State quarterback. Lowell found out who they were and yelled \”Bobby, get Verbie\” – and you did!
Again, I am truly sorry for your loss. But now Lowell is in no pain, and is rejoicing in Heaven!
Arnie and Jill Myers (parents of Kelly Greenlee) says
Keeping your families in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Cindy Altieri says
Larry & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a great guy who put up with a lot when we were in kids in high school. Always had an uplifting attitude and was fun loving to all. He raised 3 great son\’s and I know he will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely,
Cindy (Ellis) Altieri
Sarah Young says
I was so sorry to read about your dad. I have wonderful memories of all of you and my thoughts are with you
Cliff Zeider says
Lowell will be missed by all who was lucky enough to have known him, what a nice guy and one tough soft ball pitcher. Cliff Zeider
Anonymous says
Dear Phil and family,
Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mike and Jayne Erpelding
Kurt Kralovansky says
Phil, Larry and Bob
Sorry about the loss of your dad. Lowell was defintely one of a kind. I am sure he will be missed by all. My best to your mother Ethel.
Gale Beller says
Ethel, Bob and Gina
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lowell loved his family deeply. As did the family love him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Gale (Smith) Beller
Gale Beller says
Ethel, Bob and Gina
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lowell loved his family deeply. As did the family love him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Gale (Smith) Beller
Mary Pat (Fehrer) Kubina says
Dear Ethel, Bob, Phil, Larry & families,
We are so sorry to hear about Lowell\’s passing. He was most definitely a favorite of mine & a great man! He will be missed very much but his memory will stay with everyone!
God Bless ALL of you and please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers. It\’s very hard to let someone go, but know that he is in a MUCH better place.
Love,
Jay & Mary Pat (Fehrer) Kubina
Kris says
We were very saddened to hear the news of Lowell\’s passing. I have very fond and funny memories of our neighborly get togethers!! He will be truly missed. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God continue to comfort your family and give you peace and strength thru this time.
All our love!
The Fehrer Family
Sherry and Gary
Mary Pat and Jay
Dave and Carol
Kris and Doug
Sherry says
We were so very sorry to hear of Lowell\’s passing. He was always ready with a smile and a kind word. Our family has many happy memories of family get togethers with the Greenlee family. Please know that we will keep you in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time. God Bless You All.
Gary and Sherry
Sue Johnson Filley says
Ethel and family,
I am so sorry. Words always fail me when I need them most but know that you are in my thoughts and I hope that memories comfort you and you feel peace soon. You are special to me and you will always be my Ideal Lady.
Sue Johnson Filley
Jean Peterson says
Ethel,
We go back a few years and I wanted to extend my deepest sympathy over the passing of Lowell. Our days at Travelers Insurance were great. Meeting so many nice people. A lot of nice memories.
Ken and I enjoyed you and Lowell. I lost Ken a year ago this April.
I\’ll be thinking of you at this difficult time.
If you are ever in South Bend, please look me up.
God Bless you and your family.
Jean Peterson
Becky Burt says
Ethel and family,
Bj and I are so sorry to hear about Lowell. He was a wonderful man! So many memories for us!! May the love of those around you help you through the days ahead. Remember that we love and care about you!
Bj and Becky Burt
Sue Chase says
Ethel and Boys, Larry and I are so sorry that we cannot be there for you all. I remember Lowell\’s great smile and that \”Greenlee\” sense of humor. What a great role model for you all. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time. Love Sue and Larry
Dan Kubley says
Ethel Bob and Phil and Larry,
Sorry for your loss. I remember his ferver for IU basketball. Your family will be in our prayers.
Dan and Susie Kubley
Dawn McCrory says
So sorry to hear of Lowell\’s passing. We are praying for you during this hard time. May God\’s strength and the joy of happy memories bring you all peace and comfort.
Dawn (Glock) and Greg McCrory and family
BettyWilcockson says
Bob, Phil and Larry,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of you Father. It is a very difficult time! I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers! God Bless you all!
Betty
Fred Funk says
Dear Family:
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you
Kathy Alexander says
My Sincerest condolances to the Family of Lowell Greenlee. Your Family and our Community has lost a fine gentleman. Peace Be with you all.
Joe Elkins says
Dear Ethel, Bob, Phil, Larry, and family,
My heart is saddened by the passing of Lowell. Please accept my heartfelt condolences. Lowell has always been one of my favorite people. The situations I remember about him are many – and most bring laughter and tears. But the thing about Lowell that stands out in my mind is his role as loving husband and father. He was totally committed to his family – and proud of each and every one of you!
Bobby, I know how much you loved your Dad. He was a pillar and a wonderful mentor to you. We had some great moments with your Dad. Remember \”Bobby birdied 18 barefooted\”? Remember \”Sobber Bungie\”? Ethel, remember when we went to the game at Ball State for one of Bob\’s games, and they told Lowell that he couldn\’t park in a certain place. Lowell responded \”Watch me\”. At the game, we sat behind the parents of the Indiana State quarterback. Lowell found out who they were and yelled \”Bobby, get Verbie\” – and you did!
Again, I am truly sorry for your loss. But now Lowell is in no pain, and is rejoicing in Heaven!
Arnie and Jill Myers (parents of Kelly Greenlee) says
Keeping your families in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Cindy Altieri says
Larry & Family,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. He was a great guy who put up with a lot when we were in kids in high school. Always had an uplifting attitude and was fun loving to all. He raised 3 great son\’s and I know he will be deeply missed. My thoughts are with you all.
Sincerely,
Cindy (Ellis) Altieri
Sarah Young says
I was so sorry to read about your dad. I have wonderful memories of all of you and my thoughts are with you
Cliff Zeider says
Lowell will be missed by all who was lucky enough to have known him, what a nice guy and one tough soft ball pitcher. Cliff Zeider
Anonymous says
Dear Phil and family,
Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Mike and Jayne Erpelding
Kurt Kralovansky says
Phil, Larry and Bob
Sorry about the loss of your dad. Lowell was defintely one of a kind. I am sure he will be missed by all. My best to your mother Ethel.
Gale Beller says
Ethel, Bob and Gina
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lowell loved his family deeply. As did the family love him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Gale (Smith) Beller
Gale Beller says
Ethel, Bob and Gina
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Lowell loved his family deeply. As did the family love him.
You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless all of you.
Gale (Smith) Beller