Lower Served FCA from 1975-2001 and Inspired Thousands
KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA, www.FCA.org) today is celebrating a life well lived, after the passing of one of its former national vice presidents, Gary Lower, who died April 17, 2021.
“Today we pray for Gary Lower’s family, friends and former players and coaches, as they now navigate life without this strong, godly influence,” said FCA President and CEO Shane Williamson. “The Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be forever grateful to all that Gary Lower brought to the ministry for 26 years. His servant leadership, vision, innovative thinking and tireless dedication and work ethic forever changed the course of the ministry he loved. He impacted countless coaches and athletes by sharing Christ though his personal prayers and deep friendships. He served as a model to the coaching world with his commitment and dedication to his players and fellow coaches over a successful career, in which he continually strived to glorify God. Hebrews 11 lays out some of the ‘Heroes of the Faith,’ the true ‘Hall of Fame,’ of which Gary Lower is the newest member.”
“I loved Gary Lower,” said John O’Dell, FCA Oklahoma State Director. “Gary was a great leader in the ministry of FCA. Always fun to be with. He loved encouraging, serving and caring for others. He was a reflection of Christ to all. We will miss Coach Lower. His influence lives on through so many people. Thanks Gary, for showing each of us how to live life. Well done, my friend.”
Gary Lower began his career as a football and track coach at Northeast High School and also U.S. Grant High School in Oklahoma City. He later coached track and field at the University of Oklahoma. Lower joined the Oklahoma FCA staff in 1975 and spent 26 years working in the state, regional and national offices, then capping his long tenure as FCA National Vice President. A 39-year member of the military who retired at the rank of Colonel, Lower is a member of numerous halls of fame and has served as an officer for a myriad of organizations over the years.
As one of Chuck Bowman’s first hires, Lower became a trailblazer for FCA in Oklahoma. Lower went on to serve at all levels of the ministry of FCA while serving as an Area Director, Assistant State Director, and National Vice President. As a National Vice President, Lower was responsible for 13 central states, developing staff and raising financial support in his region.
Read more about Fellowship of Christian Athletes here, visit FCA’s website at www.fca.org, its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TheFCATeam or its Twitter feed https://twitter.com/TheFCATeam.