Owensboro Radio Legend Joe Lowe Passes Away from Esophageal Cancer

It is with a heavy heart that we report our friend, colleague and Owensboro icon Joe Lowe passed away this morning from an aggressive form of esophageal cancer. Joe was best known for his distinct voice as the host of the Joe Lowe Morning Show on 1490 WOMI – it was truly the heartbeat of Owensboro. He also was a philanthropist, traveler, Monster Truck emcee, devoted family man, owner of Joe Lowe Productions, political activist, Guy Fieri doppleganger, avid Gambrinus patron and radio legend.

Joe came to Owensboro and started at WVJS in September of 1972. He worked there as well as at WOMI and WBIO. Joe did mornings at WVJS from 1972-2002. Around 1977 when the Executive Inn opened Joe formed Joe Lowe Productions which remained active until his death. While at the Executive Inn Joe introduced virtually every major performer in the entertainment business that appeared in the Showroom Lounge until its closing. For a number of years, Joe was chairman of the Daviess County Republican party and was a member of the Owensboro Airport board. He also spent over 30 years as an emcee for Feld Motorsports Monster Truck Shows. He traveled the U.S. and overseas in that capacity.

Joe was most recently honored as the Broadcast Journalist Winner of the Kentucky Farm Bureau’s 2012 Communications Awards.

He and his wife Kathy married in 1971 and have two children, Sandy of Owensboro and Karen of North Carolina. His granddaughter, Brittani, also lives with Joe and Kathy.

Joe never met a stranger – even if it was your first time meeting him, you felt like you knew him for years. Here at WOMI, WBKR and Townsquare Media, we all feel blessed to have worked with a man who had such an impact on radio and also the community he served. While Joe was still battling the big C, we put together a video tribute. We hope you will watch and enjoy the memories that flow from the many comrades who spoke from the heart and please include your own in the comment section of this post.

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ll miss that booming voice down the hallway; the joking and teasing EVERY time he saw me; the words of encouragement and praise he would send me periodically via email. On behalf of our team, our deepest sympathies to his family. -LaDonne Craig, Townsquare Media EV/OW General Manager

 

“Elaine and I are deeply saddened to learn of Joe Lowe’s passing. I have known Joe for many years; he was a radio legend. I always enjoyed our conversations live on the air on WOMI and listening to his show during my travels through the region. Joe truly loved his community and he was an important voice for Owensboro and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  I join the people of Owensboro and Daviess County in mourning this great man. My thoughts go out to his wife, Kathy, his daughters, and his grandchildren. He will be missed.” – Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell

 

Groups and Associations:

• WKWC 90.3 college radio station, board member
• Owensboro Daviess Regional Airport
• Member Mayor’s Cable Advisory Board
• Member Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce
• Member Republican Party
• Member United States Hot Rod Assn
• Member Right to Life
• Member Prison Ministry
• Member Fathers Matter

Honors and Awards:

• Past President Owensboro Jaycees
• Past Chairman Daviess Co. Republican Party
• Past Chairman Big Rivers Chapter American Red Cross
• Past board member Boulware Center