Lowell E. Harris

Lowell E. Harris, 90, of Atlantic, Iowa, died Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Heritage House in Atlantic.

Lowell Eugene was born on February 7, 1936, in Webster, Iowa, the son of Lynn D. and Helen Olive (Ebelsheiser) Harris. He grew up on a farm near North English and worked at “The Ranch.” Lowell graduated from North English High School in the Class of 1954. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp. and served from 1954 – 1957, stationed overseas in Japan for some of that time. In June of 1962, he received an Honorable Discharge after his time in the Reserves.

On June 21, 1956, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Joyce Arelene Hall in New English. The couple was blessed with five children, David, Lori, Joel, Kim and Chris. Family vacations were made possible by Lowell saving his change; a few memorable locations being when they rented an RV to go to Florida (they usually just tent camped so this was a treat), Colorado and a canoe trip to Canada. Lowell and Joyce both worked full-time so the balance work and raising 5 kids was a challenge but through it they never missed one of the kids’ activities. Following the untimely passing of Joyce, Lowell was united in marriage to Janet Bucher.

Lowell entered the Iowa Highway Patrol Academy in 1960, and after completion was assigned to Post 2, which covered the areas of Albia and Knoxville, as Trooper #118. Lowell later was transferred to Post 3 in Atlantic. In 1965, he received his pilot’s license which he used for speed control, traffic monitoring, search assistance, surveillance, and transporting for the blood bank. He didn’t talk much about his job but did share that he was proud to have been part of capturing a high-profile criminal. In 1994, Lowell retired from the Iowa State Patrol after 33 years of dedicated service. He also farmed 80 acres and raised livestock.

In retirement he enjoyed fishing, woodworking, running his framing business, and taking his tractor not only on organized rides but to also check the crops and visit family and friends around town. Lowell was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan, GO HAWKS!

Lowell’s family saw him as very stoic man likely shaped by his time in both the service and his career but he often dealt some great one liner’s. Something that came along with that were his ability to give you “the look” … and you knew exactly what was meant.

Lowell recently shared with a caretaker that he tried to raise his kids right and how proud he was of his family, even though he also might have complained once or twice about their constant advice. His memory will forever be a bright light in the lives of those that survive him which include his children, Lori (Craig) Stuart, Joel (Rita) Harris, Kim (Terry) Hepler and Christine (Scott) Fulk; grandchildren; Wade (Amanda) Harris, Natalie (Stephen) Ritter, Paige (Logan) Witte, Derek (Michelle) Stuart, Bryan (Valerie) Stuart, Kevin (Alanna) Stuart, Evan (Jessica) Thomsen, Mary (Michael) Clapp, Joshua Helper, Alisha (Elvis) Hass, Travis (Becca) Fulk, Jared (Liz) Fulk and Kate (Wyatt) Saeugling; great-grandchildren, Oliver, London, Britain, Tessa, Corbin, Nellee, Kinnick, Sutton, Harlow, Landon, Brody, Mychaela, Jayden, Julia, Eva, Ellie, Lynnea, Marek, Reid, Tristan, Ellowyn, Jaxon, Holland, Joshua, McKenna, Braxton, Braeleigh, Luke and Ruth; and great-great-granddaughter, Evelyn.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lynn and Helen Harris, wives, Joyce and Janet; son, David; and sister, Beverly (Richard) Miller.

A Celebration of Life Visitation and Luncheon will be held from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Saturday, May 30th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic, followed by a graveside service at the SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery. During this service Lowell’s dedication to his country and state will be recognized with honors given by the Atlantic Color Guard and the Iowa State Patrol Honor Guard.

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Lowell’s family and his arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

***A slideshow will be available once completed.***