Lowell Ervin Volz

Lowell Ervin Volz, 85, of rural Welch, Okla., passed away early Saturday morning, May 13, 2017 at Integris Miami Hospital, after a short illness. He was born October 8, 1931 in Ringwood, Okla. to Ervin Henry Volz and Eleanor Belva (Darby) Volz. In 1951, after graduating from high school, Lowell enrolled at Ozark Bible College in Joplin, Missouri. His intentions were to further his bible knowledge and become a minister. However, after one year of school, he was called to serve his country in the U.S. Army. He fought in the Korean War. He was a decorated war hero receiving the Korean Service Medal with two bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a bronze star Service Medal for Acts of Heroism on June 11-12, 1953 at Outpost Harry, Sagimak, Korea. On May 26, 1957, he took Sandra Kay Ralston as his wife in a ceremony in Mound Valley, Kansas. To support his family, Lowell became a machinist, working many years for John Deere, Boeing, and Cessna. Despite the demands of these jobs, he was still a farmer, maintaining the family farm, which still operates today. He was a longtime and faithful member of the Elm Christian Church in Edna, Kansas. He is survived by his wife, Sandra, of the home; one daughter, Cheryl Kay Rexwinkle and husband Ronnie, of rural Welch; two sons, Clinton Ray Volz and wife Brenda, of Elk City, Kansas, and Martin Duane Volz of Galesburg, Kansas; nine grandchildren, Matt, Rebecca, Kelly, Andrew, Krystal, Shaylee, Dylan, Jeff, and Alyson; and twelve great grandchildren, Madison, Isaiah, Jadrian, Jacius, Alex, Conner, Jared, Gracie, MaKenzee, Kenidee, Sadie, and Delcie. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Elm Christian Church in Edna, Kansas with Minister Allen Banzet officiating. Friends may greet the family at the church beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at the Richland Cemetery in Angola. Casket bearers will be Matt, Andy, and Alex Rexwinkle, Dylan, Jeff, Jadrian, and Jacius Volz, and Isaiah Hill. Honorary casket bearers will be Conner and Jared Rexwinkle. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to be made to Carter Hospice or St. Jude Children Hospital, both in care of the Thomas Funeral Home P.O. Box 231 Welch, OK 74369.

Lowell Ervin Volz

October 8, 1931 - May 13, 2017