Thomas L. Lowry, 79 of Taylorville, passed away at 12:12pm on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. He was born on April 26, 1941 in Peoria, the son of Thomas O. and Dorothy I. (Challacombe) Lowry. He married Frances I. Dockstader on October 12, 1960 in Mansfield, Ohio. Tom graduated from high school in 1958 in Brimfield, Illinois and attended business school in Mansfield Ohio. In 1971 he opened the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Taylorville and operated it until his retirement in 2015. Tom was known by everyone in the community for his dedication in running KFC. He never knew a stranger and made everyone feel welcome. He was a long-time member of the Board of Directors at the First National Bank in Taylorville, serving most recently as president of the board. Especially in his retirement years, Tom loved using his tractor to help his neighborhood when the snow fell. He was a dog lover, and had many faithful companions over the years. More than anything, he loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He is survived by his wife: Frances Lowry of Taylorville; children: Cheryl Ashburn (Jeff) and Jerry Lowry (Diane) both of Taylorville; grandchildren: Joel Ashburn of Blue Mound and Anna and Jillian Lowry of Taylorville; and sister: Gloria Jean Cameron of Clinton. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mr. Lowry will be cremated, and a private family graveside service will be held in the Owaneco Cemetery. Memorials in Tom’s memory may be left to the Taylorville Public Schools Foundation. McClure Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Taylorville is assisting the family with arrangements.