Robert L. "Bob" Lowen

Robert L. Lowen

Robert L. Lowen, 82, of Hays, KS, passed away Friday, November 16, 2018, at the Kansas Heart Hospital in Wichita, KS.

Bob was born June 18, 1936 to Andy and Irene (Dwyer) Lowen in Wellington, KS.  He married Beverly Arwood on October 4, 1953.

Following graduation from Wellington High School, Bob was employed as a surveyor for Sumner County.  Six years later he entered college at Emporia State University where he earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Journalism.

In 1965, Bob became the Sports Information Director and an Instructor of Journalism at Fort Hays State University.  During his 33-year career at FHSU, Bob attained the rank of Professor of Journalism.  He also served as the Director of University Relations and coached Tiger Golf.  He was best known as “The Voice of the Tigers” announcing games for the Department of Athletics.

In 1998 Bob retired from FHSU.  It wasn’t long before he knew he wasn’t ready for retirement.  The following year, he became the Foundation Director at Hays Medical Center.  After 8 years with Hays Med he retired once again. Two years later duty called and he came out of retirement and was honored to become the first Director for the new Heartland Community Foundation, a position he held for 4 years.  Bob enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He spent his last years caring for his beloved wife Beverly “Woody” Jean and entertaining his great granddaughter, Kiefer.

Bob was an avid golfer and sports fan, he supported all Tiger athletics, Kansas Jayhawk athletics, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Wellington Crusaders.

Survivors include his wife Bev of Hays, and his children:  Bob Lowen Jr. (Grace) of Allen, TX; Deanna Aguilar (Carlos) of Ogden, UT, Steve Lowen (Shelley) of Colorado Springs, CO, Debra David (Skip) of Sharon Springs, KS, Doug Lowen of Winter Park, FL, and Donna Lowen of Huntsville, AL, and his sisters Marge Mohney (John) of Shelbyville, IN, Peggy Wallace, Wellington KS, and Barbara Lowen, Wichita, KS, and brother Darold Lowen (Loretta) Columbus, OH. 

Survivors also include grandchildren: Carlos Aguilar III (Heather), Miguel Aguilar (Courtney), Ryan Lowen (Pam), Corey David (Lace), Kiel Lowen (Kate), Christy Kuhn (Jared), Melinda Aguilar, Kaitlyn Lowen (Trent Wagner), Kelsie Lowen, Koby Lowen, Shaun Lowen, and also include great grandchildren: Jess Bair, Ava and Mia Aguilar, Erikson and Violet David, Athan Arteaga, Ethan and Everett Aguilar, and Kiefer Kuhn, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andy and Irene Lowen, and brothers Gene, Don, and Vernon Lowen.

Family will receive friends from 1:30 pm until 4:30 on Friday, November 23, 2018 at the Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home, 1906 Pine Street, Hays.  A celebration of Bob’s life will be held next spring.  Memorials are suggested to the FHSU Foundation for the Bob “Vince” Lowen Golf Scholarship or  HaysMed Oncology, in care of the funeral home.  Condolences and memories of Bob may be shared with the family at www.haysmemorial.com

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