H.R. No. 2558
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Marshall lost an admired civic leader,
educator, and broadcaster with the death of Frank John Lower on
August 16, 2016, at the age of 74; and
WHEREAS, Born in Kankakee, Illinois, on January 3, 1942,
Frank Lower was the son of Frederick and Nellie Lower; he grew up in
Colorado and completed his bachelor's and master's degrees at Adams
State University before going on to earn his doctorate from Florida
State University; on February 3, 1967, he married the love of his
life, Jacquelyn Dean Lower, and the couple became the proud parents
of three children, Laura, Malcolm, and Frank; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lower taught at Georgia State University,
Metropolitan State University of Denver, Union University in
Tennessee, and Louisiana State University Shreveport before
joining the communications department faculty of East Texas Baptist
University in 1991; he served as chair of the department, and under
his leadership, ETBU launched its annual Christian Writers
Conference; following his retirement in 2006, he continued to teach
part-time for four more years; he established a strong rapport with
his students and was always willing to listen to their concerns; and
WHEREAS, A dedicated journalist, Dr. Lower covered both news
and sports for KMHT until his passing; he was extremely
knowledgeable about county government, and his distinctive voice
and passion for sports made his game broadcasts exciting for fans;
he was an enthusiastic supporter of local teams, and he faithfully
attended Marshall Lady Mavericks and Harleton Wildcats softball
games, at home and away; win or lose, he offered kind encouragement
to the young athletes, their parents, and their coaches, and he
earned the affectionate nickname "Dr. Frankensports"; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lower served on the board of the Marshall Depot
Museum and worked tirelessly on projects such as the Santa at the
Depot event; moreover, he served as president and as secretary of
the Marshall Regional Arts Council, and he was an active member of
the Marshall Lions Club; he gave generously of his time and talents
to the Marshall Chamber of Commerce, acting as a judge at its
FireAnt Festival and performing in plays he wrote at Wonderland of
Lights events; in recognition of his contributions, the
organization presented him with its annual Mover and Shaker award;
he was a valued member of First Baptist Church as well; and
WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to his family and his community,
Frank Lower made a meaningful difference in the lives of his loved
ones and fellow citizens alike, and those who were privileged to
know him will forever treasure their memories of his
thoughtfulness, warmth, and wonderful sense of humor; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby pay tribute to the life of Frank Lower and extend
sincere condolences to the members of his family: to his wife,
Jacquelyn Lower; to his children, Laura Dean Lower and her husband,
Daniel Dohner, Malcolm Frederick Lower and his wife, Brandy, and
Frank Garrison Lower and his wife, Lydia; to his grandchildren,
Aaron and Jacquelyn Dohner and Amelia, Emery, Makenna, Henry, and
Maya Lower; to his sister, Jennifer Lower Weirick, and her husband,
Vance; and to his many other relatives and friends; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Frank
Lower.
Paddie
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2558 was unanimously adopted by a
rising vote of the House on May 28, 2017.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House