WELLSVILLE - Donald A. Lowe of Parshall Road in Wellsville, passed away at 12:15 pm on Saturday, September 18, 2010, at East Liverpool City Hospital following a brief illness. He was 83.

He was born in East Liverpool on June 7, 1927, to the late Edward and Marie (Ollinger) Lowe. He was a member of the East Liverpool graduating class of 1945. He went on to receive a Bachelor's Degree from Ohio University in 1951 and a Master's Degree in School Administration from the University of Pittsburgh in 1961. He was a lifetime area resident and served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Don was a devoted member of the St. Stephen's Episcopal Church where he served as Senior Warden.

Don's lifelong commitment to his community and public service earned him the recognition as one of the one hundred most influential people in Columbiana County during the 20th century. His decades of long contributions have produced continuing benefits in countless ways for the people of his community and Columbiana County.

He began his career in education as a wood shop teacher at Wellsville Schools in 1951. This was the beginning of a lifetime commitment to Wellsville Schools. He served as assistant principal for the junior and senior high schools for five years, athletic director for sixteen years, and as superintendent for sixteen and a half years. He retired from Wellsville Schools in 1983 and served on their school board for the following three years, during which he also served as president. He was very proud that he helped in creating an avenue for students to receive a vocational education as well as leaving the district in such a financially sound state that no levies were needed for the next seven years. Wellsville recognized Don's career by naming their high school library the Donald A. Lowe Library Media Center.

Don then entered politics when he was voted Columbiana County Commissioner in 1985. He served as commissioner for the following twelve years. During his three terms in office, he made decisions based on what he thought was best for the county and not based on politics or personalities. He was responsible for recognizing the fact that funds were available to build a local correctional facility and he lead the effort which brought the Eastern Ohio Correctional Center to Elkton. Don also worked with Bert Dawson to make possible the creation of the Buckeye Water District. He was very proud that he was able to complete the inclusion of Columbiana County into Appalachia, which has enabled the county to receive millions of dollars in grant money over the past decade.

He finished his professional career by serving as superintendent at his alma mater, East Liverpool City Schools. He was brought in as an interim superintendent in 2000, but he went on to receive a two year contract which took him to his retirement in 2002. He was very proud that, through the work on an Operating Levy Committee, they were able to pass a fifty-nine million dollar bond levy which has resulted in the new LaCroft and North Elementary Schools, as well as the renovation of East Liverpool High School. This past summer, Don was recognized with the prestigious honor of being a Distinguished Alumni from East Liverpool High School.

Don served on, and for, countless organizations throughout his illustrious career. Those include president of the prison board; Columbiana County Metropolitan Housing board member; BOSS board member; Wellsville Kiwanis Club, where he served as past president; Child Counseling Center in East Liverpool, where he served as past president; lifetime member of the American Red Cross, where he served as past chairman; Family Recovery Center board member; lifetime member of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Columbiana County; and member of the Masonic Lodge 180 in Wellsville.

Surviving at home is his lifelong love and beloved wife, Donna McShane Lowe, whom he married August 4, 1951.

Also surviving are his sons: Edward Lowe and his wife Maria of East Liverpool; Robert Lowe and his wife Cindy of Wellsville, and Donald Lowe and his fiance Julie of East Liverpool.

There are three grandchildren: Eric, Michael, and Frederick surviving as well as five step-grandchildren: Chris, Melissa, Shelly, Brandy, and John; and thirteen step-great grandchildren. Don is also survived by his dear friend and brother, James Lowe of East Liverpool. Also surviving is a brother-in-law, Robert McShane and his wife Paula of East Liverpool.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a m on Wednesday, September 22nd at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in East Liverpool with Reverend Jeff Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Columbiana County Memorial Park where the Tri-State Burial Group will accord full military honors.

Friends may call on Tuesday from 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM at the Roberts Funeral Home, 631 Main Street in Wellsville

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 220 West 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920, or to Wellsville Alumni Scholarship Committee in memory of Donald A. Lowe at P.O. Box 629, Wellsville, Ohio 43968.