Lowell William Stevens

Lowell W. Stevens, 87, of Springfield, died at 9:36 p.m. on August 8, 2026 at Mercy Health - Springfield Regional Medical Center in Springfield, Ohio. He was born April 7, 1939 in Casstown to Russell and Marie Stevens. He was married on September 15, 1963 to Julia L. (Yoder) Stevens who preceded him in death on June 16, 2020. He is survived by daughters, Molly (Brian) Frey of Wapakoneta, Margaret (Lance) Sennett of Waynetown, Indiana; grandchildren, Allison, Bryce and Brady McCumons, Ellie (Tucker) Schlipf, Emily (Clayton) Main, Claire Sennett; four step-grandchildren; great-grandson Crue Main; sister Peggy (Randy) Damewood; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Stevens and Janet Brown; and a niece and three nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers John and Gary Stevens, and mother-in-law and father-in-law Albert and Alyce Yoder.

He was a 1957 graduate of Urbana Local. He was a DHIA Supervisor in Champaign county where he received the DHIA Superior Achievement Award. He served in the Air National Guards from 1962 - 1968. After 45 years, he retired as an Area Program Consultant from NOBA/Genex and was awarded the Genex Mission Award. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana where he served two terms as a Trustee. He was a 4-H advisor for 24 years, served several terms as President for Urbana North Township Election Board, a Director of the Champaign County Dairy Service Unit for 30 years, member of both the county and state 4-H Advisory Board, served two terms as President of the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association, was a board member of the Ohio PDCA, American Jersey Cattle Association and National Dairy Shrine.

Lowell was born and raised on a Jersey dairy farm where he and his family earned a reputation for deep-pedigreed cattle that won blue ribbons, purple banners, genetic awards, championships, and Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor at county, district, state and national shows. He judged dairy cattle shows all across the state and surrounding states; as well as, at the All-American Jersey show. His motto “we always try to sell a good one” proved accurate through the years as he sold winning animals across the United States and from Canada to South America.

Among his laurels are the Ohio Pioneer Award from the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association, Kentucky Colonel from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Meritorious Service from the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey, Inc. He has been inducted into the Hall of Fames for the Champaign County Dairy Service, Ohio State Fair, and the Dairy Science Hall of Service at The Ohio State University.

Lowell loved playing cards, going out with friends, and reminiscing about the beloved brown cow. His faith was an important and personal part of his life. At the age of 85, he chose to be baptized again as a meaningful reflection of the beliefs he carried throughout his life. His grandchildren held an especially treasured place in his heart. He took immense pride in each of them and their accomplishments, but his love for them reached beyond anything they could ever achieve.

Viewing will be held on Thursday, August 13, 2026 from 3-7p.m. at Walter & Lewis Funeral Home, 642 S. Main St. Urbana. A celebration of Lowell’s life will be on Friday, Aug 14, 2026 at 11a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 116 W Court St. Urbana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Affinity Care of Ohio, 9349 Waterstone Blvd. Suite 340, Cincinnati, OH 45249 and the First Presbyterian Church in Urbana. Condolences may be expressed to his family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com.