Lowrey Buchanan

Lowrey C. Buchanan, 69, died March 11, 2013, at Elizabeth Residence, from complications of his 22-year struggle with Parkinson’s Disease. His partner and son were at his side when he passed away.

Lowrey was born July 30, 1943, at George Field, Allison Township, Lawrence County, IL, to the late Thomas Francis and Eleanor (neé Lowrey) Buchanan. During WWII, his father was a cargo pilot for the U. S. Air Force, flying missions over “The Hump” – a high altitude aerial supply route over the Himalayas from India, across Burma to China. After the war, the family moved to Freeport, IL where Lowrey went to elementary and secondary school, graduating from Freeport High School in 1961.

He attended the U. S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO, then went on to graduate from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, with a B.A. in psychology.

Lowrey was a corporate insurance broker in Chicago, IL, working first for Johnson & Higgins, now Marsh McLennan Companies. He later joined Alexander & Alexander Services Inc., now Aon Corporation. One of his clients was John H. Batten Airport in Racine, WI. Another client was Moose International of Mooseheart, IL, which he later joined as a member.

He was a passionate amateur photographer and avid audiophile – his many hundreds of CD’s and records covered an eclectic mix of music. He also loved camping and hiking regardless of the weather. He served as an Assistant Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America in Troop 55 of Glenview, IL and was a volunteer for the American Parkinson’s Disease Association in Chicago, IL. He loved his constant and loyal companions – Daisy, his dog, as well as Flash and Cocochanel, his cats.

Lowrey was also preceded in death by Erna Buchanan, his beloved stepmother.

Lowrey is survived by his partner of 20 years Barbara J. Whicker, Racine, his son Graeme T. Buchanan, Round Lake, IL, his sister Eleanor Buchanan Shuping, Phoenix, AZ, as well as nieces and nephews.

A non-denominational memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday morning, March 23, at the Marsh-Meredith & Ackland Funeral Home in Racine, WI. Friends are invited to meet with Barbara and Graeme before or after the ceremony.

The family gratefully thanks Dr. Bradley Hiner, Dr. Joseph Goveas, and Community/Education Project Manager Vicki Conte, all of Froedtert Hospital, the staff of Elizabeth Residence, and the staff and volunteers of Hospice Alliance, Inc. for their compassionate and caring support.

The family asks that no flowers be sent. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the following or a charity of your choosing:

Animal House Shelter, 13005 Ernesti Rd., Huntley, IL 60142

Hospice Alliance, Inc., 10220 Prairie Ridge Rd., Pleasant Prairie, WI 53158

Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue, 3032 47th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53144