Lowell Gene Strayer passed away on November 16, 2016 in Franklin, Michigan, after a long struggle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was born on March 31, 1937, in Grand Rapids, Ohio, the son of Lloyd H. Strayer and Lela (Irvin) Strayer. He graduated from Anthony Wayne High School in Whitehouse, Ohio. He furthered his education in the engineering school at the University of Toledo to support his subsequent career at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI. During his career in the Hardware Department as a Product Design Engineer, he became the recognized expert in the field of automotive door handle and lock systems. His expertise allowed him to occasionally be called upon to give expert testimony on behalf of Ford in the USA as well as overseas. Lowell retired in 1996 after 30 years at Ford.

He spent many hours in the outdoors, building boats, sailing, fishing, and hunting. In particular, he was an avid and accomplished duck hunter, traveling to Canada and as far away as Argentina with his hunting buddies. He was a regionally recognized carver of both hunting and show decoys and was active in Ducks Unlimited for many years. He was also an elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Monroe, Michigan, and was active with the Boy Scouts of America.

Lowell is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Julie; son, David (Judy Bondus) Strayer of Millbrook, NY; son, Mark (Robyn) Strayer of Lusby, MD; daughter, Laurie (Allen Rodriguez) Strayer of Washington, DC; daughter Jennifer Strayer of Las Vegas, NV. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Andrew, William, Molly, and Claire; brother, Jerry (Susan) Strayer of Adrian, MI; brother, James Strayer of Midway, AR; sister-in-law, Judy Strayer of Columbus, OH; sister-in-law, Joan Nowakowski of South Bend, IN; aunt, Mary Sautter of Grand Rapids, OH; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Lowell is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Lela Strayer; brother, Richard Strayer; sister, Linda McVicker and brother-in-law, Daniel McVicker of Phoenix, AZ.

The family will receive guests on Saturday, December 10th from 2-3pm at McCabe Funeral Home, 31950 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills. Memorial Service at 3pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lowell's name may be made to:

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, TN 38120.

Seasons Hospice Foundation, 8537 Solution Ctr., Chicago, IL 60677.