Harold L. Lowenstein

Harold L. Lowenstein, 87, died peacefully Wednesday, July 22, after living many years with Alzheimer’s. Hal grew up in Marshall, Missouri, the only child of Herman and Janice. They were the sole Jewish family in their small, rural town, a fact Hal often mentioned with his trademark wry humor. Herman and Janice were “do-gooders”, to use Hal’s phrase, and their dedication to helping less fortunate people deeply influenced him. His commitment to community service directed much of his life, from mentoring children living in poverty to serving 28 years as a judge on the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District. Hal’s public presence began in grade school when he hosted a weekly radio sports program on Marshall’s KMMO. In his earnest, high-pitched voice with its winsome rural drawl (we have recordings!) Hal reported all the sports news and even interviewed Bill Veeck, owner of the hapless St. Louis Browns. His undying support for the Browns underscored Hal’s lifelong championing of the underdog-–in both sports and life. Hal earned his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Missouri in Columbia, which also sparked a lifelong love for Tigers’ athletics. After a brief stint with a Kansas City law firm, Hal served as Assistant Attorney General under Jack Danforth. In 1972, he was elected to the first of five terms in the Missouri House of Representatives. Ten years later, Governor Kit Bond appointed Hal to the Court of Appeals, where he served with a keen intellect and unfailing humanity. His many law clerks, or “clucks” as he called them, remember Hal fondly both as a mentor, a friend, and a man who could crack you up with either a tasteless pun or a self-deprecating joke. A fellow judge said that Hal “was dedicated to following the law but always had compassion for the people involved in the cases.” At the time of his retirement in 2009 he had been on the bench longer than any current judge. Hal didn’t put himself above anyone else. Rather, he used his status as judge to stand up for those who have been dealt a bad hand in life. He spearheaded a program to send underserved youth to summer basketball and volleyball camps. He mentored several boys through Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Hardly a Christmas passed without Hal donning red suit and cap to play Santa Claus for kids receiving services at Operation Breakthrough and other organizations. One of his favorite times of the year was Opening Day for the Royals. For many years, after recruiting volunteers, he hawked newspapers for his Rotary Club, often in frigid temperatures. Hal’s service was recognized with several awards, but his most cherished was the one his father also received: the Kansas City Spirit Award. Hal played many racquet sports, loved to relax with a good book, always looked forward to his annual fishing trip (though he often returned empty handed!), and spent many an hour at his former house watching cardinals, wrens, and sparrows flock to his bird-feeder. Hal had three children with his first wife. As kids, Marc, Susan and Todd tagged along on his trips to Jefferson City, campaigned with him and ran wild in the capitol building. They were always on his mind and in his heart. Hal met his wife Wanda (also known to him as Madame, the lovely LaWanda, and Spunky) on a blind date at a Royals game. One was an avid sports fan, the other decidedly not, yet they clicked and ultimately thrived as a couple for nearly 36 years. They got along so well that they even taught jury selection classes together to law students. Wanda’s constant, tender care in his final years bears powerful testimony to their lasting love. Hal was also an unforgettable presence in the lives of his stepkids and step grandkids. Though he had a large public presence, the Hal they will remember is Boompa: sidekick to Mema, always generous, funny, and warm. Hal is survived by his wife, Wanda Lowenstein; three children: Marc Lowenstein, Susan Coulson (Geoffrey Heaton), and Todd Lowenstein; two step-children: Mark Wiebe (Anne Bloos) and Chris Wiebe; and four step-grandchildren: Noah Brady, Sorrel Hartford, Wren Hartford, and Amber Hartford. He was preceded in death by his parents and two step-grandchildren: Quinn Brady and Madrona Hartford. He was beloved and we’ll all miss him terribly. A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, August 29, 4 pm to 6 pm, at the Sulgrave ballroom, 200 W 49th St., Kansas City, Mo., 64112. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Hal’s name to whatever charitable organization is meaningful to you

Harold L. Lowenstein

August 18, 1939 - July 22, 2026