Lowder was born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, but started his football career in London with Crystal Palace, whom he joined as an amateur in September 1946.
He failed to make the first team with Palace and in August 1947, he joined Rotherham United where he spent two seasons in the Third Division North.
[1] During his two years at the Millmoor club, Lowder managed only eight league appearances, in which he scored two further goals[2] as Rotherham finished both seasons as runners-up, missing out on the single promotion place.
Southampton's manager, Sid Cann, had gone to Boston to look at Bryn Elliott in a Midland League match but he was so impressed with Lowder's fast wing play that he signed both players.
[6] An attack of peritonitis[3] restricted his appearances the following season to just six and in May 1953 he agreed to join Southend United in search of regular football.
[14] Lowder settled in Boston and, after finishing his playing career, he ran an off-licence and grocery store, from which he retired in June 1990.