Lowell D. Dr. Holmes

Holmes, Dr. Lowell D., 85, died August 31, 2010. He is survived by his wife, Ellen; children, Loreen Maxfield (Peter) of Chicago, IL, Jonathan Holmes (Martha) of Los Altos, CA, Jill Vita (Rick) of New Orleans, LA, Traci Adams (Sam) of Haysville, Chellie Mazzullo (Sal) of Wichita; grandchildren, Madeline and Jonathan Barbour, Malcolm Maxfield, Connor Holmes, Erika Lair, Tiffany Adams, Jeremiah Teal; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Ellen Lair. Lowell was born in Sioux City, Iowa and grew up in Minneapolis. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Coast Guard and served during WWII from 1943-1946. Upon his return, he attended Northwestern University where he received a BA in English and then continued on to earn a PhD in Anthropology. He started his teaching career at Missouri Valley College and then came to WSU where he was a member of the faculty from 1959 until 1990 when he retired as Distinguished Professor Emeritus. During his tenure at WSU, he established the Anthropology department as well as the Anthropology Museum that was later named in his honor. He was well loved by his students and won multiple teaching awards during his career. He was the author of numerous books on Anthropology, specifically the Samoan Islands where he did research and field work for many years. Lowell was a lifelong jazz enthusiast and played saxophone professionally in his younger years (with guest appearances at each of his childrens wedding receptions). His other passion was for sailing and all things nautical including building several boats over the years. A memorial service is planned for a date to be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice, 313 S. Market, Wichita, KS 67202. Downing Lahey Mortuary East. Memorial Service to be announced at a later date