OXFORD – Barry Wayne Lowe, 59, of Oxford, Maine, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 21, 2018.

He is survived by his brother, Rev. Frank Lowe, Reading, Mass.; his nephew, Michael Lowe, North Troy, Vt.; two grandnieces and one great-grandnephew and several cousins. Also feeling this loss are many loving friends and adults (whom he helped as teens) and the many teens whom Barry was currently showing his love for through his ministry at the Rock House Teen Center in Oxford. He will be missed by all.

Barry was born on Nov. 21, 1959 in Norway, Maine, the son of Harry Leo and Jane Lowe. He lived his whole life in the Norway-Paris area, the last 24 years at the family home on Pottle Road in Oxford, where he helped care for his dad in his later years until his death this past July.

Barry graduated from Oxford Hills High School in 1978 where he was involved in musical endeavors, especially as a member of the Viking Choir and Viking Voices. As a young boy, Barry began attending the Norway Church of the Nazarene where he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. From an early age Barry loved the Lord and endeavored to lead others into that same relationship with Jesus.

Because of his talent as a vocalist, Barry was always involved in musical ministry often as musical worship leader in churches. Barry helped begin the Resistance Ministries from which the musical group, THE BLACKSMITHS, came. Though the members of this group changed through the years, Barry was always the lead vocalist. With The Blacksmiths Barry performed in various venues from churches to outside encampments from Maine to Florida, on many Songo River Queen cruises on Long Lake in Harrison, and wherever the opportunity was presented. As a member of The Blacksmiths, Barry was afforded the opportunity to sing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and at the Pageant of Peace Christmas concert at the White House in Washington, D.C.

Barry’s latest passion was the Rock House Teen Center where he had a part in its formation in Norway and eventual move to Webber Brook Road in Oxford. About five years ago, Barry became chairman of the teen center and dedicated himself to this ministry. Despite overwhelming health issues involving major spinal surgery in the last few years, he did not give up or lose his passion for showing the love of Jesus to others, especially teens; in fact on the day he went home to be with his Lord, he had worked all day at the Teen Center preparing for a Christmas party to be held there that night. It was his determination to not disappoint the teens there that kept him serving right until the very end of his life on this earth.

A celebration of life service will be held at the church he loved, East Auburn Baptist Church, 560 Park Ave., Auburn, Maine, on Saturday, January 5, at 11 a.m., preceded by a time of visitation at 10 a.m., at the same location. Burial will be at Damon Cemetery in Buckfield later this spring. Arrangements are under the care of Chandler Funeral Homes & Cremation Service, 45 Main St., South Paris. Online condolences may be shared with his family at www.chandlerfunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor his life and help the ministry he loved, may send donations in his memory to:

The Rock House

Teen Center

254 Webber Brook Road

Oxford, ME 04270

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Ernest Malcom Petley

Next »

Michael James Doyon