MSG Melvin Elija Lowery, US Army (Ret.)

April 3, 1932 - February 4, 2021

MSG Melvin Elija Lowery, 88, of Columbia, died Thursday, February 4, 2021. Born April 3, 1932, in Lancaster, SC, he was a son of the late Thomas C. and Mable Benson Lowery. MSG Lowery was a US Army retiree who honorably served his country during both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his 28-year enlistment, he received many commendations and awards, including, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Korean Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the United Nations Service Medal. Following his military career, MSG Lowery worked various jobs. Most notably, he worked as a contract US Government employee, inspecting kitchens and mess halls on military bases. MSG Lowery devoted his time in the mornings to reading his daily devotion and studying the Bible. He was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church and attended Living Springs Lutheran Church. He and his wife enjoyed traveling, both domestically and internationally. They especially loved cruises and bus tours. MSG Lowery enjoyed his vegetable garden and tending to his roses. He often picked the most beautiful ones to present to his loving wife. Survivors include his wife, Ingeborg C. Wack-Lowery; daughters, Pam Goff (Floyd), Kathy Schaad (Doug), and Melanie Mooney (Travis). MSG Lowery is also survived by his grandchildren, Brandon Goff, Eric Goff, Jessica Bagwell, Nicole Sellers, and Lina Mooney, as well as numerous great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his 16 siblings. The funeral service for MSG Lowery will be held 11:30 o’clock, Wednesday, February 10th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia with Reverend Eric Fink officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at 1 o’clock at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival road, Columbia, SC. A visitation will be held from 4 until 7 o’clock Tuesday, February 9th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel. All are invited to attend; however, masks and social distancing are required to create a safe environment for all. A livestream of MSG Lowery’s service will be available by visiting his tribute page at ShivesFuneralHome.com. Memorials may be made to Living Springs Lutheran Church, 4224 Hard Scrabble Rd, Columbia, SC 29223.