Don Lowry

Perhaps no Howard County native has made such an impact at local and national levels as Don Lowry.

An outstanding bowler, who from 1947-51 held the city series record of 759, Lowry took over ownership of Playbowl Lanes, later opening his own facility.

Lowry is best known for his passion and dedication to youth bowling. On his plaque at the National Bowling Hall of Fame, Lowry is called the “Father of Youth Bowling,” for his tireless efforts on behalf of kids. He was largely responsible for the merging of two youth bowling groups that resulted in a single organization 500,000 strong.

Lowry has received virtually every major bowling award nationally. He was a member of the Bowling Proprietors Association of America board of directors, earning the association’s top prizes — the Victor Lerner Memorial Award and the President’s Award.

In 2008, Lowry received the United States Bowling Congress Joyce Deitch Trailblazer Award that recognizes important contributions to the sport by motivators, visionaries, leaders and inventors.

Lowry was elected to the Indiana Bowling Hall of Fame and is a charter member of the Kokomo Bowling Association Hall of Fame.