Age 86, Luray, Va.
Lowell Bradley Baughan passed away after a short illness on January 6, 2025.
He was born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on May 23, 1938, the first child of George L. “Hop” and Elizabeth Harnsberger Baughan. He was a 1956 graduate of Luray High School and a 1962 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Architecture.
On August 15, 1964, he married Karen Appleby Baughan of Bay City, Michigan. In 1966, after residing in Charlottesville, Virginia and practicing architecture, he and Karen moved permanently to Luray, Virginia, where he co-founded Baughan & Baukhages Architects.
Lowell lived his life and committed his time and talents to the things he loved — family, faith in God, and serving the community. From 8mm home movies through modern genealogy, family holidays and summers at Mullett Lake, to the annual “Southern Loop” visiting every cousin in the southeast; decades of service to his church and an example of faith until the end; and countless roles in local service and other community organizations.
Lowell was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Luray, where he served in various vestry and other positions over the years and was an active member of the choir. He was also current chairman of the Luray Board of Zoning Appeals, current president of the Luray Park Association, current member and past president of the Rotary Club of Luray, member of the Page County Railroad Club, and an over 50-year master mason of the Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons in Virginia, Lafayette Lodge No. 137, the Luray Commandery, and the Acca Shrine. He was also past president of the Regional Center for the Performing Arts of Luray, past chairman of the Page County Economic Development Authority, former member of the Laurel Ridge (formerly Lord Fairfax) Community College Board, and past member of the Main Street Singers of Luray.
At the time of his death, Lowell was actively practicing in architecture as partner in Baughan & Baukhages Architects, was a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), served as president of Skyline Caverns of Front Royal, VA, and was a business partner in various LLC’s and rental properties, including East Luray Shopping Center.
He was predeceased by his wife Karen; his parents; two brothers, Robert and Stuart; and sister-in-law Don Rita Baughan.
He is survived by two children, Benjamin L. Baughan of Luray, and Stuart B. Baughan, daughter-in-law Laura, and their three children, Margaret R., Haydn B., and George M., of Charlotte, NC; brother Peyton Baughan, sister Ann Baughan Baukhages, and brother-in-law and longtime architecture partner Fritz Baukhages, all of Luray, Virginia; and brother-in-law C.G. Appleby and wife Nancy, of Arlington, VA. Lowell is also survived by many other nieces and nephews, close family, and friends.
A service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church in Luray on Saturday, January 25, at 11 a.m. led by the Rev. Peter Fraser-Morris, followed by a reception in the parish hall of the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to The Regional Center for the Performing Arts of Luray, P.O. Box 463, Luray, VA, 22835.
Arrangements are being handled by The Bradley Funeral Home in Luray, Va.
Lowell was certainly the epitome of a Southern Gentleman. I had the opportunity of working with Lowellfor 20 years. Very knowledgeable and full or architectural wisdom. I’ll not forget the many lunches we enjoyed, talking “business” over some good hot dogs! RIP old friend!