Funeral services for Lowell Wayne Mangrum, 86, West Plains, Missouri, will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 3, 2026, in the Rose Chapel of Robertson-Drago Funeral Home.
Mr. Mangrum was born on May 20, 1939, in Catoosa, Oklahoma, and passed away on December 22, 2025. His life was a testament to faith, craftsmanship, integrity, and devotion to family. From his earliest years to his final days, Lowell lived with purpose, integrity, determination, and a quiet strength that left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
From a very young age, Lowell understood responsibility. As a boy, he mowed yards and caddied at the local golf course to help his mother pay the bills. Those early experiences shaped his character and set the foundation for a life defined by reliability, perseverance, and doing things the right way.
Lowell graduated from Catoosa High School and later served his country in the National Guard. Early in his working life, he learned the trade of rebuilding wrecked vehicles at East Side Auto Salvage, where he also drove a wrecker. With those skills, he went on to open his own business rebuilding wrecked vehicles, earning a reputation for quality workmanship, honesty, and fairness.
A master with a welder, Lowell was a true craftsman and problem-solver. His shop was more than a workplace—it was a place of creativity, fellowship, and laughter. He loved creating things, helping others, and staying active. Though he often said he was retiring, it never seemed to last; before long, he would be back in the shop working on another project or lending a hand.
In later years, Lowell took great pride in helping see the vision through for Trashwagon Express. He was a man of his word—steady, honest, and dependable—and those who knew him knew they could count on him.
Faith played a central role in Lowell’s life. He was saved and baptized at Lynn Baptist Church and later worshiped at Bethel Church and China Church, carrying his faith with him not only in words, but in how he lived and treated others.
Lowell never missed a chance to tell a good story or pull a good-natured prank. His humor and storytelling were well known among family and friends. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing a round of golf, getting behind the wheel of a race car or dune buggy, sucker grabbing, and taking hunting trips with friends. No matter what he was working on, there was always country music playing in the shop and a cold Mountain Dew waiting in the fridge.
Above all else, the greatest joy of Lowell’s life was his family. He and Jennie Mangrum shared 57 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, and commitment. He especially treasured time with his grandchildren, never rushing a moment and never missing an opportunity to teach life’s lessons—both good and hard—always leading by example.
Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Donna Mangrum; his daughter, Shelly Johnson; five sisters; and two brothers.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jennie Mangrum; his daughters, Sandy Stanton of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Vickie Bradford of West Plains, Missouri, and Cindy Williams of West Plains, Missouri; his brother, Kenneth Mangrum of Muskogee, Oklahoma; his sisters, Julie Cowdrey of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Carolyn Lewis of McAlester, Oklahoma, and Janice Morris of Fort Smith, Arkansas; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren, all of whom will forever carry his love, lessons, and legacy with them.
Though his hands now rest, the things Lowell built—with metal, with tools, with faith, and with love—will continue to stand as a testament to a life well lived.
Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Evergreen Cemetery and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO 65775.
