Gary Lower was born July 17, 1935 in Shawnee, OK to William Frank and Trudie Mae (Coates) Lower. He met Elaine Womack at Central State College and they were married June 24, 1961, nearly 60 years. Gary loved reading, traveling, poetry, writing letters, antiques, history, and storytelling, and sweets, but most of all, people. He had a special place in his heart for the elderly. Gary was a longtime, active member of Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. He was also a proud veteran of the U.S. Army that he served for 39 years. He retired as a full Colonel. His military service coincided with his coaching career. He was a beloved "Coach" for many years at Northeast High School (1958-1963), U.S. Grant High School (1963-1968), and Oklahoma University (1968-1975). He not only coached but mentored and nurtured "his boys." Those years were the beginning of lifelong friendships, love, and devotion. While at OU in 1972, he coached the United States track team on a tour of 9 African Nations prior to the Munich Olympic games. In 1978, he coached the United States track team on an 8-week tour of the "Iron Curtain" countries of Eastern Europe. After leaving teaching and coaching, he began a 26-year career with Fellowship of Christian Athletes (the worlds largest sports ministry). He served in all capacities in the Oklahoma state ministry from Area Representative to State Director. In 1989, he began as Central Regional Director, a 12-state region, plus areas of Chicago and St. Louis. In 1998, he began as Region 6 Director, covering Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Missouri, and Kansas including the greater Kansas City area. In September 2001, he was appointed the National Vice-President retiring with this title. Throughout the years, Gary held many honored positions and received countless accolades and awards. Among these are: Murray State Distinguished Alumni Award, 2004; Murray State Athletic Hall of Fame; UCO Alumni Association Distinguished Alumni Award, 2001; UCO Athletic Hall of Fame; Inducted into the Oklahoma Coaches Hall of Fame; Inducted into the Shawnee, OK High School Football Hall of Fame; Inducted into OCS Hall of Fame - Oklahoma Military Department; Former Chairperson, Oklahoma City Public School Foundation; Fellowship of Christian Athletes National Board of Advisors; University of Central Oklahoma Alumni Board President; Murray State College Alumni Board President; Westerners International, Sheriff 2008-09; Docent, National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum; Executive Committee, Jim Thorpe Association; "O" Club Member University of Oklahoma; Past President, Alumni Lettermans Club University of Central Oklahoma; 45th Division Association Life Member; The Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame Board Member Vice President; Oklahoma State Commander, Military Order of World Wars (MOWW); Recipient of National Patrick Henry Award/Medal; Recipient, George Washington Honor Award/Medal; Freedoms Foundation Valley Forge, PA. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Sherilyn Hardesty. He is survived by his beloved wife, Elaine; daughter, Regan Moad and husband Shaun; and granddaughter, Arden Lower Moad. Services to honor his life will be Thursday, April 22 at 2:00pm at Quail Springs Baptist Church. Visitation will be Wednesday from 9am-8pm with family present to greet guests from 5-7pm at Mercer-Adams. The service will be live streamed on the QSBC YouTube and Facebook page. . Funeral Service Quail Springs Baptist Church Thursday, April 22, 2021 2:00 PM 14613 N. May Avenue Oklahoma City, OK 73134 Viewing will be Wednesday, 9am-8pm at Mercer-Adams. Service will be live streamed from Quail Springs Baptist Church web page