Lowell Eugene Bergman was born on Jan. 12, 1931 in Dalhart Texas to Henry & Mary Bergman. He was the last of seven born into this family. Texas remained his home until at age three the family moved to Kern County. They followed Lowell's older siblings who had already escaped the dust bowl to seek more secure employment. Lowell spent the rest of his life in Shafter California. Lowell learned to drive a car much earlier than most. His dad had detached retinas in both eyes, which eventually took his eyesight. Lowell was the taxi service for his parents, driving to numerous locations scattered throughout Central California. There were two interests that captured Lowell's eye and heart: music and sports. He was an accomplished basketball and tennis player. He started on the varsity basketball team and won two Valley championships in tennis his Junior and Senior years. His love of sports translated into following college & pro teams. He attended numerous Dodgers games, and became an avid Lakers fan, watching every game possible. Lowell did farm labor from an early age, working for his brothers and others. This helped supplement the family income. He also worked as a book keeper for an auto dealership for a short season. He began his career as a farmer when his future father-in-law, Abe Isaac, invited him to work on the family farm. At a later point, he and brother-in-law Vernon Isaac formed Bergman & Isaac Farms. They farmed until 2000. Lowell described farming as either having years of profit or years of experience. Lowell grew up with Betty Isaac in the Shafter MB Church. They began dating during High School. Betty enrolled in Pacific Bible Institute her freshman year, and this unwanted separation prompted Lowell to pursue engagement and marriage with her. They were married on May 11, 1951. They would have been married 60 years this coming spring. Lowell & Betty gave birth to two children, Lucy & Gordon. Lowell & Betty enjoyed music ministry, dining out at various restaurants and some traveling later in their marriage. Lowell had a great sense of humor, and his grandchildren would mimic his laugh when together. He was a tease with people he loved and cared about. He was generally optimistic, and a perfectionist. He was able to combine his humor with perfectionism, seeking to make learning and singing music fun. He enjoyed good quality food and clothes. Truth be told, he had a tie fetish. He had a servant's heart, enjoying serving others, and recently reading to young school children. Among his vices was ice cream, but he was a purist. He could eat other varieties, but vanilla was the gold standard. Lowell said that he was very thankful for farming because it allowed him to do what he loved- music. God gave him a gift in music- both in voice and understanding of how music fits into life. Music dominated his life, and may be what he is best known for. He began directing the church choir at age 26. This ministry was a combination of gifting and discipline. He sought to have the music fit a theme and the message, rather than just be random songs chosen for a given occasion. He directed the choir for about 40 years. Lowell's music ministry began in earnest during High School, when he helped form the Gospel Messengers quartet. The members were Leo Heinrichs- first tenor; Lowell- 2nd tenor; John Nickel- baritone; Bob Petker- bass; and Bob Haag- piano. Later, David Heinrichs replaced John Nickel. Lowell & Betty were invited to participate and eventually lead the Words of the Gospel choir and Men of Melody for the MB radio broadcast. They traveled extensively to practice, record and sing at various functions. This experience was one of the highlights in Lowell's life. There are too many music highlights to list in this reading, but the number of weddings and funerals that they sang at are in the hundreds. The Christmas specials that included community members and costumes & props were always highly anticipated. Lowell viewed music as a language God gave to us, and it filled his heart and life. Lowell's spiritual journey began with his family, who were Christ-followers. He surrendered his life to Christ, and this produced a love for God's Word and for fervent prayer. He prayed faithfully for his family and for this nation. He and Betty had a heart for missions, missionaries and Fresno Pacific University, supporting them faithfully. Lowell Bergman died on November 14, 2010. He is survived by his wife Betty; daughter Lucy and husband John; son Gordon and wife Melinda; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren including in-laws and step; brother, Lee Bergman and sister, Margie Bobst. He is loved and missed by all who knew him.