John Dale Fowler passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 16th after succumbing to complications from dementia. John spent his final hours surrounded by his family.
John was born on November 1, 1942, the fifth of six children born to Sims and Mary Fowler. He is survived by his wife, Carol Anderson, his three daughters and their spouses, Erin (Trey) Klawiter, Alexis (Eric) Hyyppa, and Austin (Mike) Bell, grandchildren Palmer, Wyatt, and Sam Klawiter; Annika Hyyppa; and Lillian Wattier, John-Michael, Dean, and Rosa Bell. He is also survived by his brother, Frank Fowler, sister, Linda Folger and Carol’s children and grandchildren, Justin (Amy) Anderson, Julie (Brian) Flory, Lane and Tate Anderson, Cole and Piper Flory. John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Bob and Gene Fowler, and his sister, Sue Avants.
John earned a BS from the University of Central Oklahoma and a master’s degree from the University of Texas. After graduation, he worked as a journalist with The Oklahoman and the Associated Press, and taught journalism at UCO. He then began a 45 year career leading Chambers of Commerce for Weatherford, Oklahoma, South Oklahoma City, Stillwater, Oklahoma, Midland, Texas, Greater Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the Kansas Chamber of Commerce and Industry. John was the recipient of numerous awards and recognition, including Chamber Executive of the Year in Colorado and Oklahoma. He was an early leader in developing community leadership training and organized programs for industry recruitment, small business development, tourism, and nonprofit management.
John had many passions in life. He was a skilled painter who closely followed the financial markets. He loved a rare steak and a martini, would surprise you with a showtune, and absolutely adored his grandkids.
The family will be holding a private service at a future date. In lieu of flowers they have asked that you consider a donation in his name to an organization he greatly appreciated, the Lumberyard Arts Center in Baldwin City, Kansas.
Im so sorry to hear of John’s death. I worked for John at the Chamber in Stillwater. He quickly became a close friend and mentor to me.
Erin, Alexa and Austin, My heart breaks at this news. I always enjoyed my time with your family. John will be greatly missed.
Carol, I remember when John called to tell me he had married you. He said, “Vic, my gypsy days are over.” He loved you so much.
My love and prayers to you all.
I am so sorry Carol for your loss. John was such a fun guy to be around.
Carol, I’m so sorry for your loss. The obituary was very good at revealing a remarkable man with fine qualities. I’m sure your life together was wonderful. You will have comforting memories.
Dear Carol and other members of John’s family. I want to offer my sincere condolences for your loss. We always appreciated John’s sense of humor as well as his painting skills at Open Studio and other happenings at the Lumberyard Arts Center. We will never forget him.
All of our love goes out to John’s family. The few memories we have of John are always heart warming. To Alexis, Eric, Annika, Carol and all the family – we love you and are thinking of you during this time. What an amazing tribute of his life.
Carol, I am so sorry for your loss. Cherish your memories. Love, Sue
Dad will be missed terribly. But his legacy of fiercely loving his family lives on in us, his creative brain, his love for nature, his immense determination for always doing what’s right for people and the community in which you live in. May we ALL carry on this legacy. Love you and miss you greatly, Dad.
John was one of my favorite cousins. We had lots of fun when my sister and I visited in Oklahoma. I saw him only once as adults (at a Fowler cousin reunion), but have many fond memories. Carol, so sorry for your loss.
John and I were not only. Cousins, but best friends in high school even though he went to Putnam City HS and I went to Northwest Classen HS in Oklahoma City. Many a good time. We seldom saw each other after our first year in college. He will be missed among the Fowler clan. Rest In Peace.
Carol–
So sorry for your loss–I enjoyed hearing about your life with John and getting to know him a little when we worked together at OSU. My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this difficult time.
Sarah Chabinak
Carol-thinking of you and your family.
Oh Miss Carol,
Our hearts go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Prayers for peace and healing for you and yours during this difficult time. We still miss Mr John and “Holly’s mom, Miss Carol.” Much love from the Bench Family.
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. He was so much fun as a painting companion at the LAC. on Thursdays! Prayers of peace and comfort to Carol and all his family.?
John would be so pleased with this memorial for him written by those he loved best!
I was so sorry to learn of John’s passing. My deepest sympathy to Carol and his family.