Lowell Fairbanks

Lowell Fairbanks of Columbus died Thursday, September 29, 2011 at the Norfolk Veterans Home.

Lowell L. Fairbanks, the son of Ralph and Hilda (Buss) Fairbanks, was born April 5, 1931 at Hoskins, Nebraska. He graduated from Norfolk High School. From there he enlisted with the Air Force in 1951 where he served for 20 years as a firefighter. He served in South Carolina, Lincoln, NE, England, Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, NE, Guam and North Dakota. He retired in Norfolk, Nebraska. He then moved to Columbus where he resided for 19 years. Lowell moved into the Norfolk Veterans Home in June of 2011 before he joined his place with the Lord on September 29, 2011 surrounded by his family. During his time in Norfolk, he met the love of his life, Mary Jane Schaefer. They shared 57 years of marriage. His hobbies were fishing, playing cards, traveling and spending time with his family. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW Club, a former parishioner of St. Marys Catholic Church in Norfolk, and a member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus.

Lowell is survived by:
Wife Mary Fairbanks of Columbus, NE
Son Barry Fairbanks of Littleton, CO
Son Bob (Kathy) Fairbanks of Smithfield, UT
Daughter Trish Fairbanks of Prescott, AZ
Son Rick (Mary Kay) Fairbanks of Spokane, WA
Daughter Carol (Rick) Anderson of Norfolk, NE
Brother Jim (Elaine) Fairbanks of Norfolk, NE
Sister-in-law Wilma (Glen) Haferland of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law Arlene Preiser of Castle Rock, CO
Sister-in-law Joan (Bud) Sackett of Columbus, NE
Brother-in-law Ken (Gloria) Schaefer of Columbus, NE
Sister-in-law Joyce (Alan) Cooley of Elko, NV
Sister-in-law Sherry (Bob) Howell of Elko, NV
Grandchildren 15
Great-Grandchildren 13
Many nephews and nieces

He was preceded in death by:
Father Ralph Fairbanks
Mother Hilda (Buss) Fairbanks
Son David Fairbanks
Daughter Sandra Fairbanks
Sister Patricia Fairbanks
Sister Donna Ziegenbein

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the wishes of the family.