Wilmer Lower

LEETONIA — Wilmer Lower, 78, of Leetonia passed away May 4, 2025, in Chandler, Arizona, following a short illness.

Mr. Lower was born Sept. 15, 1946, in Salem, the son of the late Wilson and Martha Luplow Lower, and had lived in this area all his life.

Beginning in 2010, Wilmer and his wife Elaine spent part of each year in Arizona as “snowbirds,” cherishing time with their grandson, Jordan.

Wilmer led a fulfilling and multifaceted life. He was a self-employed farmer and wore many hats throughout his career, including cook, bus driver, and mechanic for Crestview Schools. A man of deep faith, he was an active member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, where he and Elaine led the young adult ministry for many years. Both were also members of the church choir and bell choir. Wilmer was also involved with the Foundation for His Ministry and attended Light of Christ Church in Gilbert, Arizona.

He was a proud Mason and a dedicated member of the Fairfield Ruritan. In the late 1970s, he was honored as Columbiana County’s Farmer of the Year. He also served his country in the Army National Guard.

Wilmer found great joy in farming, flying a small Cesna, and restoring his original Allis-Chalmers tractor. He loved boating with family, showing his 1972 El Camino at car shows, and above all, spending time with those he loved, especially his grandson.

Known for his generosity, patience, and quiet strength, Wilmer was a beloved figure in his Ohio and Arizona communities. Always ready to lend a hand, he will be remembered for his kind spirit and enduring devotion to family–particularly for gracefully navigating life with four women in the household.

His wife, Elaine E. Long Lower, whom he married on Sept. 23, 1967, preceded him in death on July 14, 2020.

Wilmer is survived by his two daughters, Annette (Terry Syx) Lower of Lisbon, and Sharon Black of Chandler, Arizona; and a grandson, Jordan Black.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Evelyn “Evie” Ella Lower, a brother, Paul Lower, and his beloved dog, Diesel.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 12, 2025 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Leetonia, with Pastor Kari Lankford officiating. Interment will follow in Crest Haven Memorial Gardens, New Waterford, OH. Friends may call at the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home, Columbiana on Sunday, May 11, 2025 from 5 to 8 p.m. and at the church one hour before the services on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local church, the American Cancer Society, or Dementia/Alzheimer’s research.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Warrick-Kummer-Rettig Funeral Home. Family and friends may view this obituary, sign the online guest book, and send condolences to the family at www.familycareservices.com.

5/10/25