Published on August 31, 2026 6:09 pm
Last Updated on September 2, 2026 2:26 pm
Robert “Bob” E. Lowrance, 92 of Effingham, IL, peacefully left his earthly home on Sunday, August 30, 2026 to live eternally in heaven with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, September 20, 2026 with the memorial service immediately following at 4:00 p.m. in the First Baptist Church at 102 1st Baptist Church Drive in Altamont. A private graveside burial at Arborcrest Memorial Park will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Altamont.
Bob was born on October 11, 1933, in Assumption, Illinois, the son of Robert “Doc” Carroll and Rosella “Rosie” (Henderson) Lowrance. He was a basketball player and graduated from Ramsey Community High School in 1951. He married his high school sweetheart Ruth Tedrick on September 16, 1951, and they were married for 73 years.
He, Ruth, and their two boys Scott and Ron lived in Frankfort, Indiana and Newton, Illinois before settling in Effingham in 1969. He worked on the railroad, for Farm Bureau and at the First National Bank.
He was one of the strongest Christians around, devoted his entire life to God, and made it his mission to share the gospel every time he could. He actively participated in small groups at church and cherished teaching Sunday school to help others strengthen their faith and study God’s word.
Bob is survived by daughter-in-law Becky (Moran Lowrance) Rhodes and her husband Paul of Teutopolis; and daughter-in-law Ada of Wilmington, North Carolina. He is Papa to grandchildren Chelle (Matt) Beck of Effingham; Jeremy Lowrance of Peoria; Bo (Jodi) Lowrance of Effingham; Jaclyn (Dennis) Merkley of Peoria; and Chelsi (Tyler) Shoemaker of Heartville. He is Papa Bob to great grandchildren Tristen, Robert, Skylar, Gabriella, Hunter, Mally, Alexandra, Calvin, Ava, Olivia, William, and Thea.
He was preceded in death by his wife Ruth; his parents; his two beloved sons Scott and Ron; his daughter-in-law Connie Lowrance; his siblings; his great-granddaughter Aria.