Chet Lowe

Chester “Chet” Arthur Lowe, Jr., age 86, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 27, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and patriot, he leaves behind a legacy of integrity, service, and quiet strength.

Chet was born to Chester Arthur Lowe, Sr. and Helen Austin Lowe on September 28, 1938. As a young boy, he became fascinated with the way things work and studied the trains as he walked along the tracks to Lanier High School. An avid Boy Scout and an Eagle Scout, he carried the values of Scouting with him throughout his life.

All of those early childhood interests propelled him to formal studies in science and engineering and he earned dual Bachelor of Science degrees from the University of Georgia in general science (with three years at Georgia Tech) and in electrical engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. Following his formal education, he served with distinction in the United States Air Force, retiring after 22 years as a Lt. Colonel. Never one to rest on his laurels—and with a mind that remained open and curious—he continued his leadership in defense-related roles, ultimately building a talented team and a successful company that became one of the top 10 defense firms in Warner Robins. Throughout his career, he had a gift for bringing the right people to the table and the right numbers to the spreadsheet—an uncommon blend of intuition, collaboration, and precision.

Chet’s career spanned some of the most critical defense efforts of the Cold War era, including leadership roles in missile systems, avionics, and electronic warfare for which he earned multiple commendations. Among his proudest contributions was his work at NASA’s Manned Spacecraft Center in Houston, Texas, where he served as Simulation Controller during the Apollo missions — including Apollo 13, for which each team member was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

But Chet’s professional accomplishments and accolades – which literally sent men to the moon – pale in comparison to the difference he made right here on this earth, in his home. Chet’s truest legacy lies in his unwavering love for his wife June, steadfast devotion to his children, and gentle pride in his grandchildren. Simply put, he was always there.

He was always there for his Monday night Bible Study Fellowship and his local Rotary Club, where he proudly enjoyed 36 years of perfect attendance, even through COVID.

He was always there for friends, sharing his love of food, conversation, and camaraderie across a lunch or dinner table.

He was always there for his family, whether it was June’s morning cup of coffee or attending all the games, recitals, and award ceremonies for his grandkids.

And perhaps, most memorably, he was always there for Christmas, his legendary trees decorated with the same meticulous care he approached his professional work. Nothing brought him greater happiness than ushering in a child, grandchild, or family friend, seeing the lights and the wonder reflected in their faces, firing up his childhood train that circled the base of the tree, and telling stories of each sentimental ornament. The season wasn’t complete until Chet and his grandchildren gathered outside to burn their Christmas wish lists, Chet assuring them that of course Santa could read the smoke.

This humble man of science and faith, of humility and courage, led a life that was simultaneously governed by logic and defied it. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Chet was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brett Wilson Lowe, his father, Chester Arthur Lowe, Sr., his mother, Helen Austin Lowe, and his sisters, Eugenia Lowe Adams “Buddy Gene” and Marjorie Ann Lowe Burress.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, June Greene Lowe; daughters Lizabeth Lowe Mellon (Todd) of Clayton, Georgia, and Leslie Lowe Brown (Chris) of Macon, Georgia; grandchildren Paige Lowe of Knoxville, Tennessee, Reilly Kuhle (Colton) of Dahlonega, Georgia, Ian Lowe of Atlanta, Georgia, Wilson Brown of Logan, Utah, Andrew Mellon of West Palm Beach, Florida; Patrick Mellon (Lauren) of Silver Spring, Maryland; and Nicholas Mellon (Jada) and great granddaughters Gianna and Amara of New Bern, North Carolina.

A funeral service celebrating Chet’s life will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at McCullough Funeral Home, 417 S. Houston Lake Rd., Warner Robins, Georgia. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will take place at 1:00 PM at Highview Cemetery, 152 Ross St., in Gray, Georgia.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers and friends who supported him in recent years. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Macon’s local Parkinson’s group, MEOverPD, at meoverpd.org/donate 

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements.