Darnell Lowery

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Hasker Darnell Lowery was born to Hasker and Laurine Lowery on January 9, 1949, in Portland, Oregon. Although almost everyone knew him by his middle name, "Darnell," he always proudly introduced himself as Hasker Darnell Lowery.

Darnell attended Boise Grade School, Jefferson High School, and Portland Community College, all in Portland, Oregon, before continuing his education at the University of Oregon in Eugene. An avid sports fan, Darnell not only enjoyed watching all kinds of sports but also played varsity football in high school. One memorable highlight of his football career was a intercepted lateral pass he returned 20 yards for a touchdown that he often reminisced about. The recognition he received from classmates, family, and friends after that game remained a cherished memory.

Darnell loved attending professional basketball, football, and baseball games. Outside of sports, he found joy in traveling, fishing, gardening, and watching classic cowboy and Turner Classic Movies on TV. He frequently shared fond memories of his father taking him and his siblings to the movies every Friday night. A skilled cook, Darnell was known for his barbecue ribs, fried fish, and his legendary homemade sweet potato cake, a treasured family recipe passed down from his mother.

Darnell was married to his high school sweetheart, Joyce Diane, for 54 years. He deeply loved, cherished, and honored his wife throughout their marriage. Together, they raised two sons, Anthony Darnell and Jason Deon, and were blessed with four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Family always took priority in Darnell's life, second only to his faith in Jesus Christ. He dedicated significant time to supporting his sons' basketball and baseball games, from little league to college and beyond. His unmistakable voice cheering from the stands became a hallmark of his unwavering support.

After beginning his career as a draftsman at Bonneville Power Administration, Darnell transitioned to becoming a Civic Community Leader for the Model Cities Program in Portland and later worked as a Human Relations Representative for the City of Portland.

In 1977, Darnell shifted his career focus from a white-collar path to a blue-collar trade. He became the first Black Tilesetter in Oregon after joining Local #1 Allied Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers Union. Eventually, he established his own business, Special Touch Ceramic Tile, in 1980 and retired in 2013.

Darnell’s tile work graced private homes, apartment complexes, and prominent public spaces across Oregon and Washington. His projects included installations at downtown Portland and Vancouver locations, the North Portland Police Precinct, Taco Bell and KFC franchises, Clackamas Town Center, Tacoma Mall, and sites along the Oregon coast. He also installed kitchen and bathroom tiles at Mount Olivet’s North and West campuses.

In October 1994, Darnell dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and became a member of Mount Olivet Baptist Church. He served faithfully under the leadership of Pastor James Martin and, later, Pastor Wendell Robinson. His ministry roles included being a greeter, usher, and member of the security team, where he also served as Pastor Martin's personal escort for several years. Even as his health declined due to pancreatic cancer in his later years, his faith remained strong.

Darnell was preceded in death by his parents, Laurine and Hasker Lowery, and his grandparents, Hose and Lucy Lowery, as well as Quitman and Laura Warren. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Joyce; sons, Anthony (Erika) and Jason (Melissa); grandchildren, Anthony (Janelle), Jalen, Jayla, and Che’; great-grandchildren, Kiyah, Louisa, Genevieve, and Beau; siblings,
Christine, Lawrence (Dena), Derek, and Ronald; godchildren, Shirrell and Lenell Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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