John Arthur Lower

John Arthur Lower, 72, of Battle Creek died unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, January 7, 2016.

John was born July 11, 1943 in Hastings, Michigan to Arthur Warren and Elizabeth (Glerum) Lower. He moved to Battle Creek with his family, attended Fremont Elementary, W.K. Kellogg Junior High and was a 1961 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. John received both his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Music Education from Michigan State University, where he played trombone as a member of the MSU Jazz Band and Spartan Marching Band. John was employed as a middle school and elementary band teacher for the Battle Creek Public Schools for 30 years, retiring in 1997. He impacted the lives of thousands of kids in a positive way through music, high expectations and love.

John A. Lower married the former Kathy G. Estes in August of 1967. Kathy preceded him in death on April 10, 1986. John was united in marriage to Lucy A. (Salisz) on August 15, 1987. Surviving are his wife, Lucy; son, David Lower of Lansing; daughter, Christie Lower of Ann Arbor; sister, Becky Moore of Grand Ledge; two brothers, Thomas (Linda) Lower of Sylvania, Ohio and David (Leslie) Lower of Stockbridge; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. In addition to his first wife, John was preceded in death by his parents.

John was a member of the First Congregational Church, where he participated in the choir; the Social Justice Committee, Bridges to Cultural Understanding, and the Historic Black College & University Choir Committee. John was a loyal MSU fan and a member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity at MSU. He was an avid reader and member of the Two Buck Book Club. Since he retired early in his children's life, he was Mr. Mom and a room Dad at Minges Brook Elementary. John also enjoyed fishing, golfing, camping and being outdoors. He was a 15 year member of the Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra. John loved his wife and kids. He will be remembered as a lover of life and music.

Friends will be received 2:00-4:00 p.m. 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Memorial services will be officiated by Thomas J. Ott at the First Congregational Church at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 14, 2016. Inurnment will be held in the spring at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to MSU Spartan Marching Band Jacket Fund. Make checks payable to Michigan State University with SMB Jacket Fund AE060704 on the memo line. Mail to Development Office, College of Music, Michigan State University, 103 Music Building, East Lansing, MI 48824-1005, or donate online at www.givingto.msu.edu/gift/?sid=2002. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.