Lowell Frederick Thomas, 89, of Fort Myers, Florida, died on July 31, 2026. He was born on May 15, 1937, in Seymour, Indiana, the son of George and Hilda Thomas. He grew up on the family farm in Jackson County, Indiana, raising chickens, and growing corn, cantaloupe, and watermelon.

Lowell’s life was shaped early by faith, education, and a strong sense of purpose. He graduated from Brownstown High School in 1955 and later studied at Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. On June 19, 1960, he married Ruth Ellen Waldkoetter of Seymour.

From 1962 to 1985, Lowell served as a Missouri Synod Lutheran pastor at churches in Malta and Chinook, Montana, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Fort Wayne, and Fort Myers, Florida. He also contributed written material to the Concordia Publishing House, including “Concordia Pulpit” and sermon outlines for Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne. Later in life, he spent time as a clothing salesman for King James Menswear, and then eventually drove a school bus for Lee County Schools. Lowell was passionate about and worked to educate others on stroke awareness and volunteered for the Stroke Association of Southwest Florida.

Those who knew Lowell would remember a man that had a habit of saving odds and ends he thought might be useful to solve a problem later. He enjoyed carpentry, gardening, fishing, sailing, artistic painting, and he found pleasure in playing the piano. He also liked riding his bike, discovering curious things in nature, and attending the Jackson County Fair. Summers at Lutheran Lake in Bartholomew County were especially meaningful to him.

Lowell is survived by his wife, Ruth Ellen Thomas; his children: Kristine Breyley, Matthew Thomas (Michelle), Denise McLaughlin (Rick Sapp), and Lyndi Halverson (Jeffrey); and seven grandchildren: Evan Breyley (Taylor), Anton Breyley, Sarah McLaughlin, Rachel McLaughlin, Carly Thomas, Luke Thomas, and Samuel Thomas.

Preceding Lowell in death were his parents; siblings; grandson, Ryan Breyley; and son-in-law, Timothy McLaughlin.

Lowell lived with faith, serving his church, Zion Lutheran Church, as an elder and teaching several Bible studies. He loved to share the gospel with others. His legacy lives on in his family, in the words he wrote and shared, and the many stories told by those who knew and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at a future date, to be determined.

Memorial gifts can be made to Lutheran Lake Chapel Improvement Fund, PO Box 1248, Columbus, Indiana 47202, or Zion Lutheran Church, 7401 Winkler Road, Fort Meyers, Florida 33919-7155.

Local arrangements have been entrusted to the caring staff at Spurgeon Funeral Home, Inc.

Online memories and condolences may be given at www.spurgeonfh.com