During his senior year at Tulane, Bob married Yvonne Seifert, who was from Weimar, Texas and had just graduated from Dominican Catholic College in New Orleans. After his graduation, they moved to Houston where Bob completed his internship and ophthalmology residency at Hermann Hospital, the new UT Medical School at Houston. During his last year of training their daughter, Jennifer, was born. He then served in the US Army Medical Corps, 1972-1974, at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona. After discharge from the Army, in July of 1974, Bob, Yvonne, and Jenny, returned to Texas and Bob joined the Youens Eye Clinic in Columbus. During the later ‘70s, two sons, Russell and Kirk, were born in Weimar.

Bob was blessed with an exciting and growing ophthalmology practice for the next 30 years, surrounded by excellent associates and staff. While practicing, he took many fishing and hunting trips with his father-in-law and brothers-in-law for get aways. He retired from the ophthalmology practice in 2005. Bob and Yvonne enjoyed extensive travel during the last years of his practice and after his retirement.

Bob loved the years and relationship he shared with his wife, Yvonne, his 3 children, and their spouses and children. He was always excited when his family gathered in Columbus for the holidays or only a great weekend. They all enjoyed cooking special meals, listening to music, watching Longhorn sports, or just visiting. He was known as “Papa” to his beloved grandkids!

As a died in the wool Texan, Bob loved Texas history and frequently quoted a Texas humorist, “Never ask a man if he is from Texas! If he is, he will tell you, if he isn’t, you will just embarrass him!” He always said his epitaph should read, “American by birth, Texan by the Grace of God!”

Bob said that during his mid 50’s his right brain took over, and he delved into many creative endeavors that included videography, photography, oil painting, and writing. Learning each of these skills enhanced his ability as a storyteller, which he considered to be his forte.

While in the US Army, Bob served his two years at Raymond Bliss Army Hospital at Ft. Huachuca, Arizona as an ophthalmologist and received an honorable discharge in 1974. It wasn’t until 2017 that Bob was approached by local Vietnam veterans who were starting a Columbus Vietnam Veterans of America chapter. They were looking for Vietnam era veterans to join their organization so they would have enough members to receive a charter. He joined the VVA chapter 1127 and became very active in the organization and enjoyed the brotherhood it offered.

Bob grew up in the Lutheran church and was a true Christian and always had a close personal relationship with our Heavenly Father and our savior, Jesus Christ. He became a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in his later life and especially enjoyed being a part of the adult Bible study group, which he attended regularly. He frequently spoke of his belief in prayer about how our prayers are heard and answered!

Bob was preceded in death by his father Thomas E. Lowe, MD, his mother, Evelyn Lowe, and older brother, Thomas E. Lowe, Jr., MD.

Bob is survived by Yvonne, his life partner for 58 years; his daughter, Jennifer Lowe Farris, of Columbus, and her daughter Kate and son Jack; his son, Russell, of Corpus Christi, and his wife Ashley and their daughter Ava and son RJ; his son, Kirk, of Columbus, and his wife Stacey and their son Hayden, and daughters Isabella and Olivia; and his younger brother, Ron Lowe, DPM, of Memphis, Tennessee and his wife Bonnie.

Visitation was held on Monday, June 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. Funeral Service was Tuesday, June 2, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Columbus. Pastor Alan Kethan officiated. Visitation at church was from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m..

Memorials may be given to Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 1127, P.O. Box 605, Columbus, TX. 78934, St. Paul Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 267, Columbus, TX 78934, or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome. com.