J. Russell Stowell

J. Russell Stowell, age 85, of Ulster, went home to be with his Lord and Savior December 19, 2024.  He had been battling cancer since 2019.

Russell was born on the 25th of May, 1939, in Sayre, to Elbert L. and Barbara M. (Huff) Stowell. 

He graduated from SRU in 1959, and worked as a dairy farmer with his dad until 1990. He also worked as an independent electrician with his dad.  After he retired from farming, he worked at Athens Area School District in maintenance, retiring after 14 years, in 2004. 

Russell was an avid collector of American Indian relics and model trains. In 1959 he became a volunteer fireman in Ulster, and was assistant chief for a time. He and his dad helped start the Ulster water company.  He monitored the quality of the water for years, until the new water system plant was put in. You never saw him without his camera as he was always taking candid photos of everyone, and everything. You could always hear him whistling or shouting out 10-4, as he was big into CB radios.  He loved watching westerns and traveling when he could. He was a current member of Athens Wesleyan Church. He was a devout man of God and served as a deacon in previous churches. 

Russell is survived by his wife of 56 years, Evelyn J. (Readler) Stowell, and three children, Allie L. Stowell, Stephen A. (Maribel) Stowell, and Amanda C. (Eddy) King. He will forever be missed by his grandchildren Caleb and Rylie Olsen, Hunter and Adelaide King, and Meybel Schulz; sister Elbertine “Tiney” Cotter; brother-in-law John (Jackie) Readler; and sister-in-law Carolyn (Dr. Seth) Fisher. He has many cherished first cousins. 

Russell is predeceased by his parents Elbert L. and Barbara M. (Huff) Stowell and brother-in-law Thomas Cotter. 

Russell’s sense of humor, contagious laugh and charm will be missed by all who knew and loved him. 

Family and friends may call at the Athens Wesleyan Church, 3903 Wilawana Road, Sayre, PA 18840 on December 23, 2024 from 10 am to 11 am where a service will be held at 11:00 am with the Rev. Tim Butcher officiating.

Burial to follow the services at Jerseytown Cemetery, Bloomsburg, PA.

The family is being assisted by Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc. Athens, PA.

Those wishing may make memorial contributions to Athens Wesleyan Church, 3903 Wilawana Road, Sayre, PA 18840 or Guthrie Hospice, 421 Tomahawk Road, Towanda, PA 18848.

Those wishing may leave condolences, send flowers, or sign the e-guestbook may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com

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