On February 25, 2023, Jerome “Mel” Milby Lowery, 70, of Gloucester, Virginia, rejoiced in his homecoming with the Lord. He was born in South Boston, Va., to Ozy and Louise Lowery. He was preceded in death by both of his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his sister, Peggy Downey (Bill); nieces, Megan Downey and Karen Downey; stepdaughters, Erica Lee and Stephanie Stock; step-grandchildren, Anderson and Marlow Lee.

Mel was in the ROTC program at Virginia Tech for two years but quickly realized he wanted to become a Virginia State Trooper in 1973. His 32-year career with the Virginia State Police included enforcing traffic and criminal laws, canine handler, supervising state inspection stations, and as Sergeant for 21 troopers in Virginia’s Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Paralleling his State Police career, Mel was in the Coast Guard Reserve for 30 years. During this time, he was a Chief Machinery Technician, Port Security man, and Chief Warrant Officer assigned to the Port Security Reciprocal Visit Coordinator Program. Mel became Chief Warrant Officer 4 with several accommodations including the Meritorious Service Medal. During his Coast Guard career, Mel was assigned to many active-duty deployments around the world.
After his Coast Guard retirement, he returned to the International Port Security Program. He was the reciprocal Visit Coordinator for foreign delegations trading with the U.S. He coordinated travel operations, briefings, trip reports, and was a Passport Acceptance Agent.

He retired in 2018 to his beloved farm in Gloucester. Mel’s passion was collecting and tinkering with antique tractors and engines. He and Carol enjoyed their camping trailer visiting Virginia State Parks with their special friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Faulkner Funeral Homes, Marks-Bristow Chapel, Tappahannock, Virginia. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Essex Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the MDS Foundation, 4573 South Boston Street, Suite 150, Yardville, N.J. 08620, or to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, N.C. 28607 or samaritanspurse.org.