James Marion Lowder, 82, a life-long resident of Zionsville, died peacefully at his home the morning of November 9, 2015. Marion to all who knew him was born the only child to Adolphus and Nellie Edith Acton Lowder on December the 11, 1932 in Lebanon, IN. He was raised and attended school in Zionsville graduating in 1951. Marion worked at Ulen Country Club in Lebanon where his love of golf began. While working at Ulen, he met a beautiful young lady named Mary Margaret Parr. That friendship blossomed into their wedding day on May 30, 1954. Not long after their wedding, they left for Washington, D.C. where Marion became a member of the United States Navy. He faithfully served until his Honorable Discharge to the Naval Reserves in March of 1956. Upon returning to Zionsville with Mary Margaret, he worked at Western Electric and Rock Island Refinery before founding Lowder Insurance Agency on Main Street in 1960. Together, Marion and Mary Margaret built a business which continues today under the ownership of their children and their families. Beyond his family, Marion had no greater love than the game of golf. Whether at home in Zionsville, his cottage in Michigan, or somewhere in a warmer climate, he enjoyed many rounds with family and friends through the years, rounds which did include 2 hole-in-ones. He will also be remembered as a giving man. Marion quietly lived his faith daily through how he treated others. He was a faithful member of Zionsville Christian Church, a 37 year member of Charles F. Frank Masonic Lodge No 760, the first president of Zionsville Kiwanis, a member of the Jaycees, a member of the American Legion Post 79, founding member of Azionaqua Swim Club, and a member of Indian Lake Golf Club in Manistique, MI. Of all his fine qualities, he will be remembered most as a true GENTLEman. Marion was thoughtful in word and deed. Quick with his humor, but ever mindful to be respectful of others. He leaves a strong legacy. Marion will be forever loved and truly missed by all who knew him. Marion is survived by his sons, Rick Lowder and his wife, Susan, Bob Lowder and his wife, Mary; his grandchildren, Maria Baker, Eric Lowder, and Lauren Lowder; his son-in-law, Rob Baker; and his friend Betty Emmert. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary Margaret Parr Lowder; his daughters, Mary Ann Lowder and Marcia Lowder Baker. Visitation will be from 3pm to 7pm, Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Zionsville Christian Church, 120 N. 9th St., Zionsville. A funeral service will be held 10 am Friday, November 13, 2015 also at Zionsville Christian Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow the service at Salem Cemetery, Zionsville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Zionsville Christian Church, 120 N. 9th St. Zionsville, IN 46077 or the Pete Paddock Memorial Scholarship Fund C/O the Community Foundation of Boone County, 102 N. Lebanon St. Suite 200, Lebanon, IN 46052.Arrangements entrusted Simplicity Funeral & Cremation Care, Indianapolis.
