Michael Paul Lower

Michael Lower passed away on March 17, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones.

Michael was born in Preston, Idaho on March 21,1949 to Paul Leslie Lower and Lorraine Butterworth Lower. He spent his childhood playing sports and camping with a great group of friends in the old Preston Third Ward. He also loved spending time in Franklin with his grandfather Leonard Butterworth and fishing with his dad Paul in Island Park.

Mike attended Preston High School, where he was active in many things, including football, basketball, track, the Lettermen’s Club, the concert band, and the Boys’ League. He especially loved playing football where he excelled under the coaching of his good friend Larry Biggs.

After graduating from Preston High School in 1967, he attended Ricks College. During college, Mike studied geology and drove his Land Rover all over hunting for rocks and gems. He spent time exploring the Tetons, skiing at Targhee and Teton Village, mountain climbing, river rafting, and soaking in hot springs. In college, he met Ted Hunt, who became a life-long friend. He also had the good fortune of meeting John Denver and picking him up at the airport when he performed at Ricks.

After his time at Ricks, his mom recommended that he start focusing on his future. Lorraine’s exact words were “it’s time to stop being a playboy”! Apparently, he received her message. Mike returned to Preston, attended Utah State University, and began working with his dad at Idaho Salvage & Metals, a recycling business that was founded by his grandfather Leonard during World War I and continues to thrive today. He also promptly bought an old red brick home on Third East, which he spent the rest of his life remodeling and beautifying. He was elected to the Preston City Council at age 25.

In 1974, he met and married the love of his life Dorothy in the Logan Temple. They had two children Ryan and Nicole, whom he adored. He was the best husband and father anyone could ask for.

Mike loved to travel. He took his family and friends all over the West. He especially loved driving through Idaho, floating the Middle Fork of the Salmon River, soaking in hot springs, sitting by the fireplace in the Old Faithful lodge, walking through the Butchart Gardens in British Columbia, visiting the Oregon coast, and exploring the Maze District in Canyonlands. One of his favorite trips was touring Europe and seeing the tulips at Keukenhof in Holland and visiting the Eiger mountain in the Swiss Alps.

Mike was a volunteer fireman for nearly 50 years and worked as the Fire Chief for more than three decades. He was very proud of his role in creating the Franklin County Fire District, building the new fire station, and substantially upgrading the department’s equipment. Mike served 23 years in the Idaho National Guard. He was on the Franklin County Planning and Zoning board for over 20 years. Mike was active in the Kiwanis Club for many years with his dear friends Blayne Rounds and Jim Hull. He was honored to serve as the Grand Marshal of That Famous Preston Night Rodeo and the Lamp Lighter for the Preston Festival of Lights.

Mike was active in scouting and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. As a boy scout, he earned the Eagle Scout award. In 1964, he attended the National Scout Jamboree in Valley Forge Pennsylvania, which included a trip to the World Fair in New York. As an adult, he served in many leadership roles. He took scout groups to the National Scout Jamboree in Farragut State Park in Idaho and on many backpacking trips, including one to Havasupai Falls in the Grand Canyon. He helped hundreds of scouts earn their swimming and life saving merit badges. Mike was given the Silver Beaver Award for his many years of service. He also served in many callings in the church. His favorite calling was serving as a home teacher where he could simply sit and visit with people.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Preston 8th Ward Chapel, 213 S. 2nd E., Preston, Idaho. Viewings will be held on Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home, 1005 S. 800 E., Preston and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the church. Military rites and interment will be in the Franklin Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at webbmortuary.com

The services will be streamed live and may be watched on Saturday at 11 am (MST) by clicking on the following link:

https://youtube.com/live/t_jvIQTMKU4?feature=share