Joseph Leland Lowery

Joe was born on the 22nd of July 1948, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Arthur William and Addie Beecher Lowery. Joe, or “Hawk” as he was affectionately known to many, grew up in Beaumont, a place to which he would return later in life and rekindle many great friendships.

After serving in the Army, he graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Journalism. Joe started his professional career working for the Houston Astros, where he developed key friendships. He then cemented his career in the financial services world when he joined E.F. Hutton as a retail broker. That parlayed into an amazing management career at Lovett, Underwood Neuhaus & Webb, followed by Kemper Securities. Joe finally found his home with Merrill Lynch, where he spent over 30 years in the Houston, Beaumont, Kansas City, Galveston and Honolulu offices.

Joe’s life was defined by so much more than his professional success. He would tell you that his proudest accomplishment was his family. He was a husband and a father first and foremost. So many of Joe’s favorite memories were made when he was with his children and grandchildren. Whether it was weekend trips to Crystal Beach, bluebird days on the slopes at Beaver Creek, or a glass of red wine around the fire pit on Cape Cod, Joe loved to spend time with his family. He was a kind and generous man, a good husband and a loving father. He was a loyal friend and a trusted advisor.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe made happy memories fishing offshore and in Galveston Bay with many friends and his son, Chris. Tiki Island was his favorite spot, where he was surrounded by great friends, and his nephew, Scott Dobbins. He also loved the Rocky Mountains and had a home in the Vail Valley for the last 16 years. Joe enjoyed skiing, and never missed the chance to après ski. He loved UT Football and traveling the world with his wife, Jane.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jane Sheffield Lowery; and his three children, Chris Byrd and his wife Aimee of Phoenix, Arizona, Lauren Venancio and her husband Diego of Dallas, and Meg Marshall and her husband Patrick of Yarmouth Port, Massachusetts. Additionally, he is survived by his six granddaughters, his pride and joy, Barlow Byrd, Isabella, Sophia and Dylan Venancio, Addison and Emerson Marshall. His brother, William Lowery of Ennis, Texas and sister, Patricia Thornton of Houston, also survive him.

The celebration of life is to be conducted at two o’clock this afternoon, Sunday, the 18th of December, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

Immediately following, all are invited to gather with the family and share remembrances of Joe during a reception to be held in the adjacent in the grand foyer.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that you please consider donations in Joe’s name be directed to Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215; or Houston Habitat for Humanity, 3750 N. McCarty St., Houston, TX 77029.

We also invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with his family by selecting the “Add A Memory” icon.