Chelsia Van Lowdermilk

Chelsia Van Lowdermilk, 97, passed away peacefully at home on December 21, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, generosity, and quiet service to others.

He was born on March 1, 1928, in Clay City, Indiana, to Tom and Bertha (Langford) Lowdermilk. On July 5, 1947, he came to Kokomo, the community that would become his lifelong home and the place where his impact would be deeply felt.

Chelsia began his working years at Dirilyte and the Ice Factory before following his calling and founding Lowdermilk Electric in February of 1957. He devoted more than 60 years to the electrical trade, wiring countless businesses throughout Kokomo, including the first ten Ponderosa restaurants. His work was known not only for its quality, but for the integrity with which it was done.

A natural teacher, Chelsia took great pride in mentoring young men in the trade and sharing his knowledge. He was a strong supporter of local youth, sponsoring sports teams—especially Little League—and supporting generations of players. If someone was in need, Chelsia was always willing to lend a hand, never seeking recognition, only the satisfaction of helping others.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife, Mary Jane Lowdermilk; his children, Ruth (Brent) Foster, Tom Lowdermilk, and Mike (Glenda) Lowdermilk; step son, Kevin Conrad, six grandchildren, Jamie (Joe) Shidler, Ian (Brooke) Lowdermilk, Holly Foster, Jody Mygrant, Sherry Foster, and Morgan (Arron) Stump; thirteen great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Carl and Darl Simpson were lifelong friends with Chelsia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Mike Lowdermilk; and his sisters, Grace Retz, Angela Riggs, Deana O’Banning, and Louise Black.

During his final days, Chelsia received excellent and compassionate care from the nurses at Paradigm. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Stephanie, Shirley, and Molly for their kindness, dedication, and comfort.

Chelsia Van Lowdermilk will be remembered as a husband, father, and grandfather, a respected tradesman, and a man whose life was defined by service to his community and anyone who needed a helping hand. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the work he left behind.

Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, December 26, 2025, at Shirley & Stout Funeral Home & Crematory, 1315 W. Lincoln Road, with Pastor Terry Russell officiating.  Burial will follow in Albright Cemetery.  Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am until time of service.  Memorial contributions may be made in Chelsia’s memory to the Kokomo Area Career Center for the electrician’s program.  Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com. 

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