Obituary: Lowell Wayne Archer Sr.

Funeral services for Lowell Wayne Archer Sr., an 11-year resident of Gardnerville, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the First Baptist Church in Minden.

Mr. Archer died Jan. 23, 2003 in Gardnerville. He was born Aug. 7, 1923 in Bedison, Mo., to Robert Everett and Ethel Ellen Archer. He was 79.

Mr. Archer attended Willard Elementary School, Woodrow Wilson Junior High School and East High School in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Texas College of Mines and earned his bachelor's of science and a master's of science degrees in education from the University of Southern California in 1954 and 1967 respectively.

Prior to moving to Gardnerville he lived in Simi Valley, Calif., from 1989-1992 and in Bellflower, Calif., from 1963-1989.

Mr. Archer taught special education at Bellflower elementary schools for 30 years and was a substitute teacher in Simi Valley and in Douglas County. He also owned an arts and crafts business in Bellflower and served as president of the California Teachers Association and on the board of the Southern California Hobby Industry Association and in administrative positions for the First Baptist churches in Bellflower and Minden.

He was a member of the Valley Springs Baptist Church.

Mr. Archer was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in the 7th Army, 12th Armored Division during World War II and fought in the Battle of the Bulge.

He was preceded in death by his wife Bennie Irene Archer in January 2001 and a sister Elaine Vermace in 1969.

Among his survivors are: his son and daughter-in-law Lowell Jr. and Felicia Archer; grandson Wayne Archer III; and granddaughter Mariah Mercedes Archer all of Gardnerville; brother and sister-in-law Robert Archer Jr. and Minnie of Whittier, Calif., brother Doyle Archer of Hesperia, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. at FitzHenry's Carson Valley Funeral Home. Burial will follow the funeral at Eastside Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Valley Springs Baptist Church.

Gary Jenson, funeral director, is in charge of arrangements.