Willard Dee Lowe was born on July 29th 1939 to Otis and Gala Lowe in Green Hollow on the family farm.  His birth was assisted by his Maternal Grandmother, Margaret Frederick and his Paternal Aunt Dorothy Lowe.   He grew up loving hunting, fishing and camping.  He attended Colfax schools.   During his Junior year in high school, he was invited to the Sadie Hawkins dance by Anne Pierce, a freshman.   This started a relationship that spanned 69 years.

Upon graduation from Colfax High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp.   He served his country as an infantry man from 1957-1961. He was stationed in Camp Pendelton, and Okinawa.

He came back to Colfax and married Anne Pierce on October 3rd, 1959.   They were stationed at Camp Pendelton until 1961.   While there, they lost their first child Gail Wanda (still born).  She was brought home to be buried in the family plot at Colfax cemetery.

In 1962, Willard enrolled at Washington State University and studied Forestry.   He graduated in 1967 and began his Forest Service career in St. Maries Idaho working on the St. Joe National Forest.

His second child, Dee Anne was born in Colfax in 1962.  His third child, Stephanie Lynn was born in St. Maries, Idaho in 1967.

The family spent the years 1967- 1974 in the Idaho panhandle.   Willard worked in St. Maries and Avery, Idaho on the St. Joe National Forest.   He then was transferred to the Clearwater National Forest and worked out of the towns of Pierce, and Kamiah, Idaho. While in Pierce he took up the sport of trap shooting and it would remain a favorite past time for the rest of his life.

In 1974 he accepted a transfer to the Tongass National Forest in Southeastern Alaska. His first station was in Kake, Alaska on Kupreanof Island.   His next transfer was to Wrangell, which is situated on the tip of Wrangell Island. This is where he spent the remainder of his career.  While there he was trained to be a Federal Law Enforcement officer, his job was to protect federal lands. He was a member of the Elk's Club.  He was also instrumental in the development of the Wrangell Shooting range as well as instruction of Wrangell youth in gun safety.

Alaska proved to be the perfect place for Willard and his family.  He enjoyed hunting duck, geese, deer, moose, and caribou.  Fishing was another favorite past time, whether it was shrimp, crab, clams, halibut, cod, or any type of salmon.

He retired from the Forest Service in 1992. In 1994 Willard and Anne moved to Ketchikan, Alaska. Anne was transferred there while working for the Alaska Court System.   Willard joined the Ketchikan Trap Shooting Club and continued his love for the sport.  In 1996, Willard and Anne moved to Priest Lake, Idaho.  In 2002, they moved to Endicott, Washington. He enjoyed being back on the Palouse and rekindling past friendships.   While in Endicott, he became an active member of the Endicott Gun Club.

Willard was preceded in death by his parents Otis Lowe, and Gala Lowe, as well as his infant daughter Gail Wanda Lowe.

His surviving family members are Anne Lowe (wife), Corrine Lowe (sister), Daughters Dee Anne Hill and husband Douglas, Stephanie Lynn Dever and husband Arthur.  Grandchildren (Great Grandchildren) Marcus Quet Hill and wife Jamie (Marlowe, Winona and Waylon), Ian Allistaire Hill, Mandie Dever (Jordan, Taylor, Tyson), Felesha Dever (Ava and Levi), and James Garrett.

A viewing for friends and family will be on Friday November 29th from Noon to 5:00 PM at Corbeill Funeral Home 109 N. Mill St. Colfax, Washington 99111.

There will be a celebration of life at the Endicott Gun Club at the end of March 2025. Date and time will be announced in the Spring.

The family suggests memorial gifts be made to the following:  Endicott Gun Club, Courtyard Assisted Living, and Gentiva Hospice or to your choice.

Corbeill Funeral Homes of Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com