James Carlton Lower

James Carlton Lower August 04, 1927 - February 10, 2009 James Carlton Lower was called home to be with the Lord on February 10, 2009. He was born August 4, 1927 in Toledo, Ohio of Harry Elton Lower and Edith May Eshleman. He graduated from Scott High School at the age of 15 and attended Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois, before entering the U.S. Navy on his 17th birthday. While in the service during WWII, he served as a Yeoman at the U.S. Navy Department of Personnel in Washington, D.C., where he also played in the U.S. Navy Swing Band. During that time, he played on the final night at the famous USO Stage Door Canteen where he met General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Admiral Chester W. Nimitz. After the war ended, he was employed by National Laboratories and Lehn and Fink for 12 years before co-founding and serving as President of Impact Products, Fresh Products and subsequently Canberra Corporation where he served as President and CEO. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy (Lockert) Lower to whom he was married for 46 years. He is survived by his second wife, Janice (Tolson) Lower and children Linda Armerding, (Taylor), Gail Yacko, (Bruce), Kim Todd Lower, (Lisa), Buffy Lower, and Jennifer Drennan (Nick), as well as 10 grandchildren: Jake Armerding, Luke Armerding, Jesse Armerding, Andrea Melvin, Christopher Yacko, Chase Yacko, Anna Lower, James Beroske, Ellie Beroske and Payton Drennan. He served on many community boards such as the Cherry Street Mission, Toledo Christian Schools and Toledo Botanical Gardens. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving as Chairman of the Design Community for Westgate Chapel's new church campus in 1990. He and his first wife, Dorothy, traveled all over the country to review church designs. He spent a lifetime playing the trombone in musical groups, such as the original Toledo Orchestra as well as singing in various gospel quartets and ensembles throughout northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. A lifetime sports fan, he played tennis four times a week for 65 years and participated in many tournaments until he was disabled by Parkinson's disease. Gardening was one of his great passions. He volunteered for many years as Toledo Botanical Gardens. He always put his faith in God first, followed by his commitment to his family and work. He had his bags spiritually packed and he was standing at the river, ready to meet his Maker. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, The Toledo Botanical Gardens or the The Cherry Street Mission. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., on Friday from 2-8 p.m. The funeral will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Westgate Chapel, 2500 Wilford Dr. Toledo, OH 43615 (Sylvania Township) with interment to follow in Ottawa Hills Memorial Park.

James Carlton Lower

August 4, 1927 - February 10, 2009