TOWER CITY • Russel G. Lower Jr., 72, of Tower City, passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at UPMC-Pinnacle, Harrisburg, after a courageous fight against COVID-19. Born July 8, 1948, in Pottsville, he was a son of the late Russel Sr. and Lillian Johs Lower. Russ was a 1966 graduate of Williams Valley High School. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. He retired as a chief master sergeant with the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and was employed for 36 years as a technician for the Pennsylvania Air National Guard. After retiring he worked for 10 years in the administrative office for the Pennsylvania Air National Air Guard, all based out of the headquarters at Fort Indiantown Gap, Annville. He was a member of the Williamstown United Methodist Church; a life member of the Liberty Hose Company No. 1, Williamstown; a life member of the Dauphin County Fireman’s Association; a life member of the Williamstown American Legion Post No. 239 and its former military band and a member of West End Fire Co. He also participated with the Williams Valley Alumni Band and was formerly active with the Williams Valley Marching Band Boosters. Russ was very community minded; he was instrumental in forming the Porter–Tower Girls’ Softball Association. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Laila, the apple of his eye. He was a fan of the Eagles, Phillies, Penn State and Williams Valley sports. Russ took great pride in his home and always looked forward to decorating for every holiday. Surviving are his wife of 39 years, Brenda Girton Lower; two daughters, Lauren Shutt and her husband Larry of Orwin and Heather Zerembo and her husband Robert of Tower City; and one granddaughter, Laila Shutt. A service was held Jan. 21, 2021, at the Dimon Funeral Home Inc., Tower City. Russ was laid to rest privately with military honors in the Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Russ’ name should be made to West End Fire Co., 326 Rear West Grand Ave., Tower City PA 17980 or the Williamstown United Methodist Church, 150 East St., Williamstown PA 17098. To send online condolences to the family, visit dimonfuneral home.com. Paid by funeral home