Lowell E. Perry • November 27, 2018
Lowell Edward Perry
Captain USN (RET)
1930-2018
Lowell E. Perry, age 88, died in his home on November 27th, 2018. He was born in Watertown, SD to Gilbert and Clara Perry, the fifth of seven children.
He enlisted in the Navy in 1948 and was a radioman on the USS Cutlass (SS-478) for two years. He was selected for flight training as a NavCad, receiving his wings of gold as a naval aviator in March 1953. His initial tour was in VP-48 in San Diego flying seaplanes, deploying to the far east. His next duty was as a flight instructor for three years at Sherman Field, followed by helicopter training at Ellyson Field, Pensacola FL.
Subsequent sea tours included HU-1 at Ream Field, CA. deploying to Japan; HS-5 Quonset PT, RI. flying H3’s deploying to the med; HC-1 flying H2s out of Cubi PT, Philippines as Officer in Charge DET Cubi which deployed for SAR missions off North Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
Returning to the East Coast, he was commanding officer of HC-4 at NAS Lakehurst, NJ. and later as air boss on the USS Guam out of Norfolk, VA.
Captain Perry graduated with distinction from the Naval War College, and earned a MS in International Relations from George Washington University. He also graduated from the State Department’s Senior Seminar in Foreign Policy. From there he was assigned to the Joint Chief’s of Staff (J-5) as his final navy duty. He retired in August 1974.
He loved flying, logging nearly 7000 hours. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for his works on the expansions of the Indian Ocean Island base of Diego Garcia which subsequently came into play in the ensuing 1st Gulf War.
Lowell met and married his wife Gloria while undergoing flight training, and after 27 years of navy life they chose Pensacola for their place of retirement. They traveled extensively in their motorhome, usually to their favorite bream “fishing hole” in AL, MS and most often camping and fishing on week long trips to Lake Tohopekaliga near Kissimmee, FL. He also loved gardening.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, three brothers, and by his wife Gloria in 2005.
He is survived by a son, Douglas (Amy), of Lynchburg, VA. and three daughters; Belinda Brock, Pamela Perry, Lisa Cranford (Peter), all of Pensacola, FL and a sister, Sheila Donald of Madison, WI. He was also survived by his four grandsons, Chad Brock, John D. Ivey, Adam Perry, Samuel Perry and his granddaughter Kaitlyn Cranford.
A private interment at a later date is planned.
“Keep Smiling”
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So sorry for the loss of your dad Mom and i are thinking of you all
Awesome man! One of my very favorite uncles. Rest in peace Lowell. Thinking about you guys Beep, Doug, Pam and Lisa.
So sorry to hear that your dad has passed away.
Both of your parents meant so much to both of us. We were stationed at HC-4 and met them there all those years ago. I felt blessed to be able to spend time with your mom and dad when your mom was so ill. Your dad was a well-respected naval officer and a beloved friend. He will be missed by us and many others. Our love to you “kids” through this difficult time.
Dondy and Tim Buckley
I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Captain Perry. He made a difference in my family’s life. My dad who served with him had the highest respect for him and said he was an outstanding Naval officer and would have made a fine admiral. Capt. Perry and my dad were both stationed at the Naval Air Station, Lakehurst N.J. where our families met and lived in adjoining quarters. I have fond memories of his wife Gloria and his children Beep, Doug, Pam and Lisa. He was an avid vegetable grower and when we would gather on the common picnic table between our quarters for clam bakes and meals the flavor of his tomatoes is still unrivaled. When Dad received orders overseas Capt. Perry and Gloria and family took our beloved dog Puff in. And when we returned over 4 years later, they returned her to us even though they were now attached to her as much as we were when we left. Years later when Capt. Perry would visit my folks, he would still bring a box of fresh vegetables and a few tree frogs for my Mom’s flower garden to her delight. And whenever it rains, and the frogs sing mom or dad would say there’s Capt. Perry. I remember the stories mom and dad told of going out to the now closed Boarding House restaurant in Pensacola Florida with Captain Perry and Gloria and the great times they had enjoying fried chicken and livers, black-eyed peas, collard greens, corn bread and banana pudding. I have fond memories of riding in old pickup trucks with Capt. Perry and the excited chatter of family on CBs in other trucks as we tracked dogs thru the native flatwoods of northwest Florida. And joining him in his wooden skiff on Pensacola Bay searching for mullet and setting nets on schools. Capt. Perry and Gloria made the long journey to south Florida to celebrate the happiest times of my life at my wedding. And Captain Perry was present and consoled me when my heart ached at the passing of my mom and dad. I will miss Captain Perry and always be thankful for the difference he and his family have made in the life of my family and the beautiful memories. His family are in my thoughts and prayers. With deepest condolences. Steve Mozley and family
Lisa and family, please accept my sincere condolences.
It was my pleasure to have met Mr. Perry, having conversations with him was such a joy. A man of great honor and humility.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful legacy with us,
We were so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr Perry. In the 45 years that we were neighbors he would often drop off fresh vegetables out of his garden and we would see him riding around the neighborhood on his gator or working in his garden. He was such a generous man and had such a sweet soul. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Tim and Rose Schweiger, Kim Jones (Schweiger) and Dawn Kaiser (Schweiger)
I received a call last night informing me of my brothers death on Nov. 27,2018. I am DEEPLY saddened & will miss him greatly as I do all of my family. Lowell & I talked of our being the last two leaves on the family tree. Now, I am the only one left & I really feel very alone & empty. Fortunately, I have my two cats of several years & we are very close! They are also service animals & help me a lot. Lowell was also known in the family as “WOW”. When he was born our sister Phyllis was about 2yrs. old & she couldn’t pronounce Lowell, so she called him “WOW” .This title followed him through out his entire life, & was only used in his email address.
When John Glenn (1st astronaut) was to land in the ocean in the space capsule, Lowell
called my mother & told her he would be at the landing, but NOT to watch for him on TV
because he wouldn’t be shown. He flew the camera men in his HELO, so she would NOT see him! She was disappointed but watched anyway, “just in case”. Another thing Lowell did was called his mom to tell her he had gotten married! While he was on the phone telling her, someone snapped their picture & gave it to him. It hung above the phone on her desk for years. She was very proud of that picture!! She always enjoyed Gloria when they came to visit.
Mom always told the story about when she announced that I would be coming. Lowell immediately stood up & said,” I guess it’s time for me to leave then.” Mom replied, well, I think you could finish your supper first!”
Being number seven of seven, I heard a lot of good family stories!!
I will miss you Lowell, & your fish stories, & jokes! My Deepest Sympathy to his children!
I’m the last leaf now & I miss ALL of you! Life will be different without any family.
God Bless All of YOU. Lillian, Kenny, Gene, Phyllis, Now Lowell, & Keith.
The Maris family sends condolences for your loss. My father was in HC-4 and remembers him as a loyal, kind person. Our prayers go out to you.