Lowell Bryant Mullins

Lowell Bryant Mullins, age 81, died July 16, 2014, at Orchard Creek Supportive Care in Traverse City, Michigan, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Mr. Mullins was born December 13, 1932, in Clawson, Michigan, to Laura and Clinton Mullins. He was the fourth of seven children, growing up in a Depression-era family, with memories including walking to the one-room school house in Troy, Michigan, and pasturing his cow in the area where Somerset Mall is today. He graduated from Clawson High School, and was Homecoming King and a varsity football player. Mr. Mullins served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was stationed in Germany, where he became fond of photography and developed an interest in travel. He married Alice Margaret Dyni on August 11, 1956, in Clawson Michigan, and from the start of their marriage they enjoyed camping, traveling, and antiquing. He worked as a barber with two of his brothers, who were known for their gift of gab and whose barbershop became the social hub of their community in the late 1950’s and early1960’s. He opened Big Beaver Antiques in the mid 1960’s, and quickly became well known and respected in the field. Lowell and Alice moved to Traverse City in 1977 with their four children and lived in Settler’s Cove on Long Lake until Alice passed away in 2010. They were faithful members of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Interlochen. They continued to establish themselves in the antiques community, traveling throughout the Midwest to exhibit at antiques shows, and taking buying trips to England. Lowell was well known for his generosity, big heart, and warm smile. He loved to celebrate holidays with family and friends, entertain, and play checkers and cards. He is survived by his four children: Anne of Los Angeles, Margaret (Larry David) of Ypsilanti, Dan (Kristin) of Lewiston, MI, Jeanne (Karl Thuemmel) of western Turkey, and 17 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister June Westerby, and his brothers Robin, Neil, and Dennis. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his wife of 54 years, Alice, and two of his brothers, Harold and Dale. He also leaves behind his beloved Orchard Creek family who cared for him for the past four years. Services were held on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Interlochen. Donations can be made to Orchard Creek Senior Living and Health Care of Traverse City, please designate Resident Activity Fund or Memorial Garden. Arrangements for the family have been entrusted to Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Lowell Bryant Mullins

December 13, 1932 - July 16, 2014