Obituary of Lowell Emerson Tompkins

Lowell Emerson Tompkins, 95, passed away November 20, 2015 after having a bite of lunch, a warm bath, and kissing his wife, Martha, goodbye. He is survived by his wife, Martha, whom he met and married in Green Valley, AZ in 1996. They have been long-time residents of La Posada in Green Valley. Lowell was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth, whom he met while attending the University of Michigan. They married just prior to Lowell being sent to China with the 14th Air Force (Flying Tigers) during WWII. Upon his safe return, Lowell completed his MBA at the U of M and obtained his first job with The Northern Trust Company in Chicago, IL, where his first son, Larry, was born. In 1950 Lowell began his 20 year career with Dow Chemical Company, moving his family to Midland, MI, their corporate headquarters. His family grew with the addition of daughter, Carolyn, and son, Mark. From 1970-81 Lowell served as Senior VP of Finance and Treasurer of Dundee Cement Company in Dundee, MI. He and Ruth lived in Ann Arbor where they enjoyed attending many U of M sporting events (Go Blue!). He and Ruth tired of the Michigan winters and retired to Green Valley, AZ in 1981, where Lowell continued to hone his financial skills as an investment advisor. They became active community members in Green Valley, where Lowell served as president of numerous charities such as Casa de Esperanza, Kiwanis Club of Green Valley, Green Valley Division of the American Heart Association and Director Emeritus, Valley Presbyterian Church in Green Valley. Lowell's philosophy was always to have a positive outlook on life and to give back to his community. As a result, he received many awards during his years in Green Valley, including the Distinguished Service Award - Kiwanis Club of Green Valley 1992-99, the B. George Baldwin Memorial Award for Outstanding Community Service - Rotary Club of Green Valley 1993-99, the Paragon Award - The Interfaith Council of Santa Cruz on April 13, 1999, and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Dedicated Humanitarian Services - Lion's International Foundation, March, 2006. Lowell is survived by his three children with his first wife, Ruth: Larry (Jan), residents of Battle Ground, WA, Mark (Jean-Louis), residents of Paris and Arbecey, France, and Carolyn (Steve), residents of Martinez, CA. All three children, their spouses, and Erin, a granddaughter, were able to visit Lowell for his 94th birthday celebration last year and will always cherish that opportunity. Lowell is survived by four grandchildren. The oldest, Brett (Ashley), now a doctor with the Navy at Camp Pendleton, visited his Grandpa just a week before he died. He and Carolyn were able to participate in helping plan Lowell's memorial service, assisting in the selection of hymns and scriptures for the service. This was a very special moment for both. Lowell has three granddaughters: Alison Coronado (Efren), of Oakland, CA, Kelsey Walker, of San Francisco, CA, and Erin, of Pullman, WA. Although far away, Lowell was able to attend the high school graduation of all of his grandchildren. One of his proudest moments was attending the medical school graduation of his grandson, Brett. Lowell is also survived by Brett and Ashley's two sons, Josh and Johnny. Lowell is survived by his brother, Bruce (Lois), of Grandville, MI and had the opportunity to speak to him, along with Bruce's daughter, Janice, during the recent Michigan-Indiana game. A memorial service will be held at Valley Presbyterian Church in Green Valley at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Posada Life Foundation/Casa de Esperanza, Lowell's favorite charity. Funeral arrangements through Adair Funeral Homes, Tucson, AZ.