William R. Lowery Sr.

William R. Lowery Sr., 82, of Mishawaka, passed away peacefully into the loving presence of Jesus on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Center for Hospice Care’s Ernestine M. Raclin House. 

William, known as Bill to family and friends, was born on April 30, 1944, in Wolf, West Virginia, to the late Fay (Lowery) Vaught. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Charlie Vaught. Bill was loved and adored by his mother and remained very close to her throughout his life.

Bill was an extremely hard worker who provided well for his family. He was an independent roofer and owned and operated Discount Roofing for many years. Bill would spend hours on a hot roof and still come home before his children got out of school to care for them, always having a hot meal ready. 

Bill’s favorite and most beloved hobby was fishing. It truly was a way of life for him, providing hours of recreation and bonding time with his family and fishing buddies. It was not uncommon to see him fishing at his favorite spot on the St. Joseph River by Central Park. From his room at the Hospice Center, we were able to see that same favorite fishing spot, which will forever be special to us. 

Some of our most cherished memories as a family were the years spent at Corey Lake, Michigan. We rented a cabin for two weeks every summer and enjoyed fishing, speed boating, pontoon rides, good food, evening card games, and many hours of swimming. Lifelong family friends were made there, along with memories that will never fade.

Bill was known to bring entire Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas gifts to people he knew had nothing for the holidays. He had a giving heart and enjoyed blessing others. 

Bill was also an accomplished bowler, participating in a Championship League at Regal Lanes in Mishawaka.  He also enjoyed car shows, hunting, and collecting guns, custom pistols, coins, and pocketknives. 

Bill is survived by his children: William R. Lowery II of Los Angeles, CA; Danielle (Joe) Layne of North Liberty, IN; and Nichole (Randy) Proctor of Mishawaka, IN. He is also survived by his grandchildren: William R. Lowery III, lovingly known to him as Bear; Nicholas Lowery; Sarah Lowery; Anthony Layne; Joseph Layne; Mindy Layne; Farrah Proctor; and Clint Proctor; as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews whom he loved very much. His half-sister, Shirley Couch of Mishawaka, IN, also survives. 

William was preceded in death by his mother and stepfather, Fay and Charlie Vaught; his grandson, Jonathan Layne; and his half-brother, Roger Vaught.

In keeping with his wishes, cremation will take place and no services will be held. He will be interred at a later date at Southlawn Cemetery in South Bend, where he will be laid to rest with his family. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care, 501 Comfort Place, Mishawaka, IN 46545. 

Online condolences may be sent through the Palmer Funeral Homes website at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.