Glen "Bill" Willis Lowther Jr. entered his heavenly home on Saturday, July 26th, 2025, passing peacefully while surrounded by his loved ones.


Bill was born on February 15, 1946, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Glen and Jessie Lowther. He was the eldest of three children, growing up in West Tulsa alongside his sister Glenda and brother Jim. A proud graduate of Webster High School, it was there that he met the love of his life, Crystal.


While attending college, Bill and Crystal married on August 26, 1966, beginning a lifelong partnership filled with love and devotion. Bill went on to earn his Bachelor's degree in Education from Northeastern State University, later completing a Master's degree in the same field. His passion for teaching led him to positions at Woods Elementary and Bryant Elementary in Tulsa, where he made a lasting impact on countless students.


In 1970, Bill and Crystal bought their first home on Marion Street. Two years later, they welcomed their first son, Jeffrey William, on August 24, 1972. After moving to a new home in East Tulsa, their second son, Casey Glen, was born on September 21, 1979.

In the fall of 1980, Bill and Crystal began attending Christview Christian Church, where their faith and service would become central to their lives. Together, they taught preschool-age children and served in numerous ministries over the next 40 years. Bill was especially well known for portraying the "mean tax collector" during the annual Bethlehem Walk-one of many ways he brought humor and heart to those around him.


Bill had a gift for making people laugh. He loved traveling, camping with friends and family, and participating in the church bowling league. His joy was infectious, and he rarely passed up an opportunity to crack a joke or tease a fellow friend.


The arrival of grandchildren brought him immense pride and happiness. "Papa," as he was lovingly called, cherished every moment with Austin, McKenzie, Madilyn, Cadence, Ty, and Trenton. Whether he was being dragged into the playroom, sharing toys from garage sale treasure hunts, or offering his lap for the perfect nap, Papa was a constant source of love and laughter. He delighted in attending their events, and cheering them on through every milestone.


In retirement, Bill continued to travel and enjoy cruises with church friends, play cards and dominoes with friend groups, camp by the lake where he loved feeding the local deer, and served by greeting people each Sunday at Christview with a warm smile and a playful tease. His generous spirit, gentle humor, and unwavering faith left an indelible mark on all who knew him.


Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Jessie Lowther; his beloved wife, Crystal; and his sister, Glenda Smith. He is survived by his girlfriend, Michele Walenta; his brother Jim Lowther and wife Nancy; his brother in law Ken Smith; his sister in law Jan and her husband Dick Bintliff; his sons, Jeff and wife Heather and Casey and wife Danielle; his six grandchildren and their spouses: Austin and wife Mandie Lowther, McKenzie Lowther, Madilyn and husband Connor Haff, Cadence and husband Hayden Cordova, Ty and Trenton Lowther, as well as various nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family and friends.

Bill "Papa" Lowther was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed. His legacy of kindness, humor, and faith lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.


A viewing will be held at Moore's Southlawn Funeral Home, 9350 E 51st St. Tulsa, OK. 74145 on July 31st from 12:00-8:00pm. The memorial service will be held on Friday, August 1st at Christview Christian Church 2525 S.Garnett Rd. Tulsa, Ok. at 1:00pm followed by a graveside service at Memorial Park Cemetery in Tulsa, OK.