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.
