Obituaries

Lowell V Gadberry Jr

Lowell V. Gadberry, Jr., was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on Oct. 6, 1947, to parents Lowell V. Gadberry, Sr., and Geraldine (Jerry) Gadberry. The family moved to North Little Rock, Ark., and Lowell Sr. spent his career with Union Pacific Railroad. Lowell Jr. graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1965. Education was always a primary goal for Lowell Jr. After completing high school, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the State College of Arkansas in 1969. He entered the teaching field and served in a variety of positions. Lowell Jr. began teaching elementary classes and eventually became principal of the school. During this time, Lowell Jr. also completed his Master of Science in Education at Henderson State College in 1972. He married Mary Susan Yeager. While both were working in education and exploring married life, they had David Lowell Gadberry on Sept. 27, 1976. Still enchanted by the education field, Lowell Jr. moved his family to Nashville, Tenn., in 1978. There he earned a Doctor of Education Degree at the George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University. Once his studies were completed, Lowell Jr. looked for university positions throughout the United States. An opportunity opened at Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) in Weatherford, Okla., in 1980. Lowell Jr. thrived at his new position, while Susan earned a master's degree and worked as a library media specialist. One of Lowell Jr.'s favorite vacation spots was Branson, Mo. The extended family often used Branson as a reunion hub; eating at the same restaurants and other traditions. Of course, watching live music was one of his favorite activities there. Another important aspect of the life of Lowell V. Gadberry, Jr. was his unwavering faith in God and the Church of Christ. He spent nearly every Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night at the church. in Weatherford, Lowell Jr. served as a Deacon in the church, and he regularly taught Sunday School and Wednesday Night Classes. It was rare to see Lowell Jr. at church without a big smile. After David graduated high school, Lowell Jr. and Susan stayed in Weatherford to complete their retirement requirements. Then, they packed everything up and headed back to Arkansas. After a few months of relying on family for beds, Lowell and Susan bought a house in Hot Springs, Ark. Soon after, Lowell Jr.'s mother, Jerry, bought a similar house a few doors down the street. This proved very convenient as Jerry aged because Lowell Jr. and Mary Ann were so physically close to her. The year of 2016 was difficult for Lowell Jr. and his part of the Gadberry crew. That year Susan Gadberry passed from cancer; Ella Mae Yaeger (Susan's Mother) passed from natural causes; and his mother, Jerry Gadberry, passed in November. It was a lot of change in small amount of time, and it was just hard going. We loved all of them so. As time passed from the tragic events, Lowell Jr. became active at the YMCA in Hot Springs. He would spend time fishing, driving around, and watching Marshall Dillon on Gunsmoke. One day each week, Lowell Jr. would volunteer at National Park Medical Center in the National Park Auxiliary. As the pandemic broke out, David had the freedom to teach online and stayed that semester with Lowell Jr. As the health crisis continued to wiggle out of control, the two decided that it might be best for David to stay. As David was able to observe more, he was able to help with the health care professionals to diagnose and treat the dementia that had slowly been surfacing in his behavior. Lowell Jr.'s functions remained very strong, and he was lucid until around the summer of 2022. David and Lowell Jr. were able to arrange for the equipment and care to be delivered at Lowell's home, which was his preference. Lowell V. Gadberry, Jr. passed at 5:02 a.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022. He passed peacefully in his sleep. Lowell Gadberry, Jr. is survived by sister and brother in law, Mary Ann and Dave Sixta; niece, Kellye James; and son, David Gadberry. He is also survived by a host of cousins, relatives, and friends. A graveside service will be held at Rest Hills Memorial Park on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to National Park Medical Center Rehabilitation Program in Hot Springs, Ark. Arrangements under the direction of Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home. www.griffinleggettresthills.com.

Published November 20, 2022

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