Lloyd "Bud" James Lower

Lloyd “Bud” Lower, 96 of Aledo, died Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, Illinois. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church, Aledo. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Rock Island. Visitation is Monday from 4 to 6 PM at Speer Funeral Home, Aledo. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Mercer County VFW, Mercer Manor, or St. Catherine’s Catholic Church. 

Lloyd James Lower was born on October 21, 1927, in Sherrard, Illinois, the son of Lloyd & Rosa Marie (Burns) Lower. He married Kathryn Mary Tolliver on May 3, 1947, in Milan, Illinois. 

Bud was a resident of the Milan area where he owned and operated the Gulf-DX station on Route 67 for 5 years. He then moved his family to Aledo in 1959 where he farmed for 65 years. He was an avid horseman and rode his horse “Blue” up until about 5 years ago. Blue died at 30 years old, and Bud never rode another horse. He had a herd of Jersey and Guernsey milk cows that supplied milk and cream to the Aledo Cheese Company for many years. His life was devoted to his wife Kitti of 78 years and his seven children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. 

Bud’s hallmarks were his love of family, his love for the outdoors and his work ethic. He was immensely proud of all his children and grandchildren and their accomplishments, and he was one of their biggest fans. 

Bud lived a wonderful life that came to an end on Thursday. He died as he lived, in our hearts and as a memory that will always be kept, and we will never forget. The world was just a better place when Bud was with you. May he rest in peace. 

Bud’s memory will be cherished by his wife, Kitti; children and spouses: Vicki & Bill Bluedorn of Milan; Judy Lower; Joe & Laurie Lower, Marlene Lower, Edward & Denise Lower all of Aledo; Susan & Ed Madison of Illinois City and Matthew & Bev Lower of Aledo; Grandchildren: Patrick M. Lower, Nikki Taylor, Andrew Lower, Shannon Brown, Jaimie Johnston, Tricia Price, LeAnn Quillin, Zach Lower, Jacob Lower, Zane Lower, Lucas Lower, Kaylee Lower, Kristin Relander, Kayde Gerber, Brad Bieri, Cole Peterson, and Emily, Ellie & Mattie Lower; 36 great-grandchildren and 1 lovingly expected. He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Ralph Johnson, a sister, Margaret and sons, Patrick and Thomas.