Lowell Gene McKanna, 85, of Newton, Kansas, and formerly of Luray, Kansas, passed away Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Asbury Park Campus in Newton.

Lowell was born on January 22, 1931, in Luray, Kansas, the son of Charles Lester and Pricilla Waive (Glasgow) McKanna.  He grew up in Luray and graduated from Luray High School.

Lowell served his country for four years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. Two of those years he was stationed in Germany before returning to Luray.

Lowell met and fell in love with Ursula while he was stationed in Germany.  She followed him to America where they were united in marriage on March 8, 1955, in Russell, Kansas.  This union was blessed with four daughters; Christine, Debra, Stephany and Andrea.  They made their home in Luray.

Lowell was owner and operator of McKanna Oil Co. from 1955 to 1994.  He delivered fuel and propane to the farmers and families in the Luray area.  He was a member of the Luray United Methodist Church.  He was a life member of the Russell V.F.W. During his younger years, he enjoyed hunting, playing golf, traveling, and riding motorcycles. His latter years were often spent watching sporting events and reading car magazines. His passion for vehicles began at a very young age.

Surviving family include his wife of 61 years, Ursula of the home; four daughters, Christine Cederberg (Kyle) of Hillsboro, Kansas, Debra Scott (Greg) of Salina, Kansas, Stephany Seirer (Jeff) of Andover, Kansas and Andrea McKanna of Beloit, Kansas; sister, Signa Heffel of Hays, Kansas; 13 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Sondra Cherry and grandson, Drew Cederberg.

Celebration of Lowell’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, December 1, 2016, at the Luray United Methodist Church.  Burial will follow at the Luray City Cemetery where the Russell V.F.W. Post #6240 Honor Guard will conduct Military Rites.  Visitation will be held the day of the service from 10:00 a.m. to service time at the church where the family will be present to greet friends.  A memorial has been established with the Luray United Methodist Church and/or Russell V.F.W.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, who is in charge of these arrangements.