Lowell Edwin Harbison

Lowell Edwin Harbison, 88, died on Monday, Feb. 4 at Franciscan Health Hospital in Crawfordsville.

He was born on April 12, 1930 in his childhood home located on Parkersburg Road near Russellville. His parents were Raymond and Virginia Frances (Sewell) Harbison.

Lowell was a proud, lifelong farmer spanning a period from the days of threshing rings to the larger equipment of today. He retired before the days of computers in agriculture, and was happy about that.

Lowell began school at Browns Valley until the end of fourth grade when it was consolidated into Waveland. He graduated from Waveland in 1948, and was a lifetime fan of Hornets' basketball.

On the evening of June 23, 1954, Lowell married Virginia Lou (Jarvis) of Russellville a day after she graduated from Indiana State. Virginia went on to teach first grade for 31 years, primarily at Ladoga, with Lowell's full support. Virginia passed away on April 17, 2013.

Survivors include daughter Beth (Tim) Hollabaugh (Bryan, Ohio), and son David Harbison, (Russellville). Lowell was a very proud grandpa to Tyler Hollabaugh (Fayetteville, N.C.) and Jacob Hollabaugh (Chicago).

Lowell grew up among many aunts and uncles and dozens of endearing cousins. Family was always foremost for Lowell. Also surviving are sister Helen Swearingen (Crawfordsville) and brother Robert (Mischa) Harbison of Greencastle. Uncle Lowell had several nieces and nephews that got to grow up "on the farm," and they survive.

In their latter years, Lowell and Virginia spent much of their time traveling to all 50 states, and ultimately sheltering in Florida in January and February with lifelong Waveland friends.

Lowell served on the Montgomery County Planning and Zoning Committee and also the Brown Township Advisory Board.

Lowell served six years in the National Guard, attaining the rank of master sergeant.

One of Lowell's true passions was his membership in the Masonic Lodge. He was a 32nd degree Master Mason of the Russellville Lodge, where he served as treasurer for 36 years.

Additionally, he was a member of the York Rite, Scottish Rite and Murat Shriners. He supported the Shriner charities and their care for children.

Lowell was a faithful, lifelong member of the Russellville Community Church. His funeral service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 at the church, 103 Third St., Russellville, IN 46175 with Pastor Alan Small officiating. Burial following at Hebron Cemetery, Russellville.

Friends may visit with the family at the church on Friday, Feb. 8 from 4-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the Russellville Community Church or the Shriners Children's Hospital. Envelopes will be provided at the church.

You are invited to visit www.machledtservies.com where you may leave an online condolence for the family.