Man dies following car accident
An 82-year-old Newton man died Tuesday after he was injured
in a head-on collision with a tractor trailer Tuesday. According to sheriff's
office reports, Ralph Lowry, driving a 1995 Cadillac DeVille, crossed the
center line on First Street near the intersection with Oliver at about 10 a.m.
After crossing the center line, his vehicle struck the side of a 2001 Kenworth
Semi Tractor Trailer driven by 29-year old Nathan Unruh of Galva. The sheriff's
report estimated the speed of impact was 55 miles per hour.
Lowry was extricated and transported via Life Team
Helicopter to St. Francis Hospital, in Wichita in critical condition where he
later succumbed to his injuries.
The driver of the semi was not injured during the accident.
Lowry was retired from his company, Ralph Lowry Aircraft
Sales, which he started in Augusta and moved to Newton in 1978.
He had been manager of the airport of what is now Jabara
Airpark in Wichita. He also was one of the planners of the Wichita Air Museum.
There will be a memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday at
First United Methodist Church, 330 N.
Broadway in Wichita
1929 - 2012 (82 years)