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Draft:Lowell L. Lohman

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Lowell L. Lohman
Born(1945-02-16)February 16, 1945
Vero Beach, Florida, U.S.
DiedOctober 28, 2025(2025-10-28) (aged 80)
OccupationsEntrepreneur, philanthropist, athlete
Known forFuneral home and cemetery enterprises; philanthropy in science education, animal welfare, and diabetes care

Lowell L. Lohman (February 16, 1945 – October 28, 2025) was an American entrepreneur, philanthropist, athlete, and community leader known for building one of Florida’s largest privately owned funeral home and cemetery enterprises, for his extensive real estate holdings, and for major philanthropic contributions to science education, animal welfare, and diabetes care. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 19, Lohman lived with the condition for more than six decades while maintaining an active athletic and business career.

Early life and education

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Lohman was born in Vero Beach, Florida, and attended Vero Beach High School (VBHS), where he played football and baseball. He served as quarterback and team captain and set a school batting average record of .509. He also pitched and captained the VBHS baseball team.

He attended Brevard Junior College on a baseball scholarship, becoming team captain and setting a school record by striking out 19 batters in a single game. Lohman later transferred to Florida State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in biology and chemistry.[1]

Athletic career

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Lohman competed in 7 on 7 flag football alongside his brothers Victor and Daryl Lohman and his son Brian Lohman. He quarterbacked their team to a National US Touch & Flag Football Championship and was inducted into both the National Flag Football Hall of Fame and the Florida Flag Football Hall of Fame. He became the first player voted National MVP twice.[2]

Life with Type 1 diabetes

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Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 19, Lohman lived with the condition for more than 60 years. His athletic achievements, including baseball records at Brevard Junior College and national championships in flag football, were noted in local coverage as significant accomplishments for someone managing Type 1 diabetes.

His experience with the disease shaped his philanthropic priorities. Lowell and his wife Nancy became major supporters of diabetes care in Volusia County, contributing to the creation of the Halifax Health Lohman Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology, which provides comprehensive care, education, and access to modern diabetes technology. They also supported Help a Diabetic Child (HADC), an organization that provides insulin, testing supplies, and medical and behavioral health services for children in need. Lohman frequently encouraged young patients and families, emphasizing early diagnosis and consistent treatment.

Business career

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Funeral home and cemetery enterprise

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Lohman entered business after meeting entrepreneur Forbes Davis while working at a Hertz rental counter during college. This encounter led to his early ventures in water and septic stations prior to widespread government infrastructure. He later joined his parents and brothers in the cemetery and funeral industry, operating 12 cemeteries and funeral homes prior to selling the businesses in 1989.

Lohman continued independently until 1996, when he and his wife Nancy founded Lohman Funeral Homes, Cremation & Cemeteries. His brother Victor Lohman and son Ty Lohman also joined the company as owners. The family ultimately owned 34 funeral homes and cemeteries in Florida, Georgia, and Arizona between 1977 and 2012. The company became the largest privately owned funeral and cemetery enterprise in Florida before being sold for $25 million.[3]

Real estate holdings

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Alongside his wife Nancy and son Ty, Lohman built a substantial real estate portfolio, owning more than 4,000 apartments in Florida. He later mentored Nancy as she developed The Cupola at Oceanside, a luxury townhome project in Ormond Beach inspired by the historic Ormond Hotel cupola.

In 2026, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed SB 628, officially renaming Halifax Drive as Lowell Lohman Road in his honor.

Philanthropy

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Lohman and his wife Nancy were major benefactors in Volusia County, supporting numerous institutions, including:

  • The Brown Museum of Arts, Science and History, including a $2.5 million gift that named the Lowell & Nancy Lohman Planetarium, with total donations and pledges reaching $5 million https://www.moas.org/explore/planetarium/index
  • Halifax Humane Society, including a $1 million donation and continued long‑term support for animal welfare
  • https://www.halifaxhumanesociety.org/our-story
  • Halifax Health – Lohman Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology, supported by a $4 million gift
  • Help a Diabetic Child (HADC), where Lohman also served as a Board Member[4]
  • Volusia County Schools, funding a STEM field study program with an annual $100,000 gift enabling 8,000–10,000 students to visit the Lohman Planetarium and Brown Museum for hands‑on science learning.
  • Ormond Memorial Art Museum, including a $1 million gift, as well as contributions to the Ormond Beach Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, and Florida Diabetes Camp

He was known for dressing as an astronaut during student STEM events.

Personal life

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Lohman married Tina Howard in 1967; the marriage ended in 1984. He married Nancy Rae Lohman in 1991. The couple traveled to more than 70 countries, visited all seven continents, and completed a global bucket list.

They adopted several rescue dogs and cats from Halifax Humane Society, including Stretch, Sugarbear, Snowball, Snowflake, and Miss Peanut.

Family

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Children: Brian Lohman and Ty Lohman Grandchildren: Taylor, Jordan, and Tristen Lohman Brothers: Victor Lohman (deceased) and Daryl Lohman

Death

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Lohman died on October 28, 2025, at age 80. His memorial service was moved to the Ormond Beach Performing Arts Center to accommodate a large community turnout.

Legacy

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  • Renaming of Lowell Lohman Road (2026)[5]
  • The Lowell & Nancy Lohman Planetarium[6]
  • The Lohman Center for Diabetes & Endocrinology[7]
  • The Nancy & Lowell Lohman Art Center at the Ormond Memorial Art Museum and Gardens[8]
  • The Lohman Adoption Center at the Halifax Humane Society[9]
  • Help a Diabetic Child (HADC)[10]
  • His book, The Lohman Way: Strategies for Building Multimillion Dollar Family Businesses

See also

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  • The Lohman Way (book)
  1. ↑ "VBHS athlete sets batting record". Vero Beach Press-Journal.
  2. ↑ "Lohman inducted into National Flag Football Hall of Fame". Florida Flag Football News.
  3. ↑ "Lohman funeral homes sold to national operator". Orlando Sentinel.
  4. ↑ "Help a Diabetic Child expands services with Lohman support". Sarasota Herald-Tribune.
  5. ↑ "SB 628 – Halifax Drive Designation". Florida Senate.
  6. ↑ "Museum receives $2.5 million gift for new planetarium". Daytona Beach News-Journal.
  7. ↑ "Halifax Health opens Lohman Diabetes Center". Daytona Times.
  8. ↑ "Museum receives $2.5 million gift for new planetarium". Daytona Beach News-Journal.
  9. ↑ "Halifax Humane Society announces $1 million Lohman donation". Ormond Beach Observer.
  10. ↑ "Help a Diabetic Child expands services with Lohman support". Sarasota Herald-Tribune.