[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 12 (Thursday, January 27, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  REMEMBERING WILLARD ``BILL'' LOWERY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
life and career of Mr. Willard ``Bill'' Lowery, who passed away on 
December 20, 2010. He was 80 years old. As a beloved member of his 
community in Burnside, KY, Bill was a prime example of a man who poured 
his heart into serving and protecting his family, his community, and 
his country.
  Born in Pulaski County, KY, Bill not only served his community 
selflessly, but touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of 
meeting him. He courageously served in the U.S. Army during the Korean 
War, and continued his public service as a Burnside police officer. It 
is no wonder that Bill's friendly demeanor and dedication earned him 
the position of chief of police, which he held for 6 years.
  Bill continued to serve his community as an employee at the Pulaski 
County Detention Center, a member of Blue John Baptist Church, the 
American Legion Post 38, and, even more impressively, as a 50-year 
member of the Burnside Masonic Lodge. It is evident that the people in 
this close-knit community respected and valued Bill's tireless 
dedication, when more than 50 residents, including fellow police 
officers, lined the streets of Burnside following his funeral 
procession to pay their respects.
  I could surely continue to praise the works and accomplishments of 
this hard-working and humble man, but I would simply ask that my 
colleagues join me in remembering this unsung hero, who showed 
incredible character and relentless dedication in service to his 
community, his country, and the Commonwealth. My thoughts go out to his 
beloved wife Wanda, his son Eugene, his two daughters, Alice and Penny 
Jo, 6 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren, and many other beloved 
friends and family members.
  The Commonwealth Journal in Somerset, KY, recently published a story 
about Bill Lowery. I ask unanimous consent that the article be printed 
in the Record.
  There being no objection, the material was ordered to be printed in 
the Record, as follows:

         Citizens Honor Late Police Chief Lowery Along U.S. 27

                           (By Chris Harris)

       Anyone who saw dozens of individuals lining U.S. 27 last 
     Thursday and holding signs might have wondered what was going 
     on. If one looked at the signs closely enough, the answer 
     would be evident.
       The life and career of Willard ``Bill'' Lowery, who passed 
     away Monday, Dec. 20 at the age of 80, was honored last week 
     by friends and Burnside neighbors.
       It was a fitting way to begin the mayoral career of Ron 
     Jones as well. Jones, who was chosen as mayor of Burnside in 
     the November elections, played a role in making the tribute 
     reality, and his wife Emma Lou is credited with being one of 
     the primary organizers of it.
       ``Ms. Emma Lou arranged for everybody to make signs,'' said 
     Penny Johnson, one of Lowery's daughters. Lowery had three 
     children--son Eugene and daughters Alice and Penny.
       The funeral was held last Thursday at Lake Cumberland 
     Funeral Home. Two Burnside police cars followed the funeral 
     procession, led by Chief Craig Whitaker--one car in front, 
     one in the back--to the Blue John Cemetery, where Lowery was 
     buried. The Burnside police officers stopped at the 
     intersection of the Ky. 914 bypass and U.S. 27 and halted 
     traffic for a salute to Lowery.
       Starting near Guthrie's River House restaurant in Burnside, 
     the highway was lined all the way into downtown Burnside with 
     individuals holding signs to remember Lowery. Johnson 
     estimated about 50 people took part in the tribute.
       ``Lowery was a dedicated police officer for our community 
     for a long time,'' said Ron Jones. ``We felt like he should 
     be given some recognition, and recognition to his family.''
       When Jones moved to Burnside in the mid-1970s, Lowery was 
     one of the first people Jones met. They maintained a 
     friendship throughout the years.
       ``Back then, they were just a one-man team,'' said Jones of 
     the Burnside Police Force in Lowery's day. ``Things sure have 
     (changed). It's not such a sleepy little town anymore.''
       Lowery was Chief of Police in Burnside from 1969 to 1975. 
     He was also retired from the Pulaski County Detention Center, 
     and was a 50-year member of the Burnside Masonic Lodge #634, 
     a member of the American Legion Post 38, a U.S. Army veteran 
     of the Korean War, and attended the Blue John Baptist Church.
       ``It touched my heart,'' said Johnson of the tribute to her 
     father. ``I don't even know what the words are to say. It's 
     unbelievable what the community did for him so that his 
     legend lives on forever. It was just overwhelming.''

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