Kennedy (Ken) Willis Lowder passed peacefully on the morning of September 1, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He died from complications of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
   Ken was born in Mineola, New York, on May 7, 1945, to the late Willis and Flora Lowder. His family moved to El Segundo, CA where he spent his younger years. In 1958, the family moved to San Andreas, CA, where his father owned “Lowder Country Drug”. Kennedy graduated from Calaveras County High School in 1963 and went on to graduate from Modesto Junior College. After graduation he worked as a salesman for many years at Stephens Marine, Larson Marine, and Stockton Wheel in Stockton, CA. He loved being in sales and helping people in any way he could. He had the gift of never meeting a stranger and so loved to talk. He finished his sales career in Livingston, CA at Agserv Western Sales where his co-workers fondly called him “Grandpa”. Retirement was short-lived, but he and his wife managed some wonderful cruises and several trips in their 5th wheel. For many years, Ken belonged to the Estanislao Chapter No. 58 of E Clampus Vitus. He never missed a doins and proudly wore his white shirt to every get-together. Ken loved anything with 4 wheels. He belonged to the Tracy Clutch Burners and thoroughly enjoyed being around people who would “talk” cars, go on car runs, and rebuild old cars into beautiful new ones. Ken owned a 1929 Ford, and a 1971 Chevy Nova. He recently painted his Nova and made some special upgrades to it. He was so proud of how it turned out. He loved taking his Nova for rides and attending the “Good Guys” car shows and swap meets with his buddies Allen Van Slyke and Ernie Avila.
   Ken loved all of his family. He was married to his wife Judy, for 44 years. They had two daughters, Kari Donich (Damon) of Ripon, CA and Kimberly Burgess (Matthew) of Bend, OR. His grandchildren are Alyssa and Dawson Donich and Piper and Cutler Burgess. He had three brothers David Lowder of Dallas, TX, Donald Lowder of Santa Rosa, CA, Jonathon Lowder of Placerville, CA and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
   A big “Thank You” to Dr. Robert Levy, his team of doctors at Stanford, the oncology nurses at Sutter Memorial, Central Valley Specialty Hospital, Bristol Hospice, and last but not least, his favorite nurse, Tami, at Sutter Care at Home. You all tried your best to help this man get well.
   A private family burial will take place, Friday, September 23, 2016 at the Ripon Cemetery followed by a celebration of life/open house at the Ripon VFW West Ripon Rd., on Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ken was an avid supporter of youth in agriculture, especially the Ripon 4-H. Donations in his honor will gladly be accepted for the Ripon 4-H Swine Group, c/o Robert Alberti, Community Club Leader, P.O. Box 1264, Ripon, CA 95366.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Wednesday, September 14, 2016