Samuel Murphy Lowdermilk, beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away March 19, 2020, at Grace Care Center in Tomball, Texas, at the age of 99. He was born May 4, 1920, to Lillard Samuel Lowdermilk and Louisa Barbara Jones Lowdermilk in Prescott, Arkansas.
Sam was preceded in death by his loving parents, sisters Marjorie Louise Cochran and Martha Sue Chandler, brother George Earl Lowdermilk, and his beloved wife of 66 years, Dorothy Louise Rikard Lowdermilk. He is survived by their three children: Barbara Elizabeth Lowdermilk Conrad and husband, Claude, of Kingwood, Texas; Dr. David Murphy Lowdermilk and wife, Kathleen, of Grand Saline, Texas; and James Samuel Lowdermilk and wife, Dianne, of New Braunfels, Texas. Sam is also survived by his precious grandchildren: Lauren Elizabeth Conrad Kaider and husband, Gregory; Corbin Eugene Conrad and wife, Elizabeth; Rebecca Ann Lowdermilk Cole and husband, Jason; Jody Rae Lowdermilk Mirike and husband, Andrew; Ginger Lynn Lowdermilk Morris and husband, Noel; Meghann Nicole Lowdermilk Hemberger and husband, Matthew; and Morgan Brett Lowdermilk Whitmore and husband, Stephen. Sam also leaves behind 19 treasured great-grandchildren: Ashton Brett Hale Kaider, Caroline Elizabeth Kaider, Keaton Matthew Kaider, Brayden James Kaider, Isabella Louise Kaider, Damien Alexander Conrad, Sierra Marie Conrad, Samuel David Cole, Faith Mishael Cole, Murphie Jane Mirike, Jessie Paige Mirike, Wesley James Mirike, Addison Rae Morris, Layla Grace Morris, William Noel Morris V, Molly Reese Hemberger, Mason James Hemberger, Myles Beckett Hemberger, Weston James Whitmore, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sam grew up during the Great Depression and was a proud member of the greatest generation known to mankind. He served in the United States Air Force and received a medical discharge. Sam’s main focal points in life were Christian faith and family. He was a charter member of Friendship United Methodist Church in Porter, Texas, after attending Ludtke Methodist Church in Houston. He taught Sunday school classes for nearly 60 years and served in many church-related capacities. Sam was also a charter member of the Rosewyn Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, in New Caney, Texas. He was also active in the Masonic Lodge for 67 years in New Caney, Houston, and Calvin, Louisiana.
Sam was raised in rural areas during tough times. He was once bitten by his family’s rabid bird dog and received the three-week treatment protocol. His initial trip to Prescott for this treatment was by railroad handcar. He did a good deal of hunting and fishing to help feed his family while learning the value of hard work, honesty, character, and integrity. There was also a great measure of faith, love, and dependability in the Lowdermilk household.
Sam attended high school in Gaston, a small oil and gas boom town near Henderson, Texas. He excelled running the mile on the track team. He was the oldest living alumnus of Gaston High School. After serving in the military during early World War II, he began courting the love of his life. On January 2, 1944, Sam married Dorothy Louise Rikard in Calvin, Louisiana. Sam and Dorothy shared many personal traits and values. Throughout their marriage they made loving sacrifices to serve and bless their family of three generations, many friends, and worthy organizations.
Sam started working for the Houston Fire Department in 1951 and served nearly 28 years until his retirement as District Chief in 1979. He was the oldest living District Chief in the Houston Fire Department. He could be characterized as a straightforward, unassuming, honorable, and loving person. He taught his children the pleasures of life, the importance of God in their lives, and the fruits of hard work in everyday living. Lessons of life were taught well and have left many wonderful memories that will be treasured always. He was a typical representative of the greatest generation in that nothing was wasted, he had a strong allegiance to God and country, and quitting was not an option. That generation never gave up! Thanks for everything, Grand Dad. We love you and will see you again in Heaven.
John 14:2-3 “In my Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
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