Edwin Jean Lowther

Edwin J. Lowther, a long time area educator will be honored at a memorial service on Saturday, August 8, 2009 at 2:30PM in the Seventh Day Baptist Church, Salem.

He was born on January 11, 1902 and died July 29, 2009 at the age of 107.

He graduated in 1920 from the Salem Academy and from Salem College in 1924. Mr. Lowther received a masters degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1926 where he taught in the Pennsylvania School System and returned to Salem College as a member of their teaching staff. He also served as the Head of the History Department.

Mr. Lowther served two terms as mayor of the City of Salem, 1931-1933.

In 1933, his friend, Jennings Randolph served as best man when Edwin married Mary Ann Sheets of Lost Creek on September 12, 1933. His wife, Mary Ann served as principle at the West Virginia Industrial School in Salem, she preceded him in death on October 24, 1992.

Mr. Lowther was a resident of West Main Street in Salem for many years. He served as Principal Of Central Junior High School in Clarksburg from 1935 until his retirement in 1970. Over 10,000 Harrison County children graduated from that school during his tenure.

He served as chairman of the Harrison County Infantile Paralysis Association for 17 years and received national recognition for his work with polio during the epidemic in 1952, 1953 and 1954.

He was a lifelong member of the
Salem Seventh Day Baptist Church and was Chairman of the Board for Randolph Terrace Apartments for several years.

Mr. Lowther was the last surviing member of his immediate family. Several great nieces and nephews survive, including Dr. Paul Davis, who served as his physician. Onalee Carson who resided in the Lowther home during her years at Salem College has been a loyal and faithful friend. Anna Mae Counts Dutton provided care and companionship for many years to the Lowthers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Edwin Jean Lowther, please visit our floral store.