Obituary of Albert Fowler

Al Fowler, age 89, passed away peacefully April 7, 2019 in Mt. Vernon Texas. 

Al was born November 29, 1929 in Crocket Texas to parents Howard & Stella Loftin Fowler.  He had 6 siblings. 

He is preceded in death by both parents and an infant son, Al David.  He is survived by the Love of his life and wife of 63 years, Jayne Colby Fowler.  Children surviving him are his son Greye Fowler and wife Julie, daughter Hazel Mayfield and husband Dan, and son Kit Fowler and wife Robin.  Nine grandchildren surviving him are Kristin Gates, Audra Fowler, Autumn O’Quin, Ashley Fowler, Heidi Cooley, Daniel Mayfield, Priscilla Wayland, Amanda Fowler and Al Fowler.  He also has 17 surviving great grandchildren. 

He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1947, serving his country honorably.  His superiors repeatedly described his character and service as above reproach commending him for his leadership, resourcefulness, efficiency and foresight.  It is noted that he was an accomplished ship handler, setting high examples in military dress & behavior, requiring adherence to these standards by himself and his crew, reflecting his high sense of duty by his exemplary behavior both on and off station.  He was commended for his leadership and service while his own wife and children were included in the evacuation of Guantánamo Bay, Cuba in 1962.  He was selected for post in Argentia, Newfoundland where he served as the Command Coordinator and Master of Ceremonies, working as Chief Master of Arms and later as Chief Criminal Investigator, working in harmony with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Newfoundland Constabulary having 1008 men under his command at that time.  His Commanding Officer at this post described him as the epitome of a self-made man.  He served as a CID Special Agent while working in the Pentagon and served as a Naval Instructor at a Navy School.  He retired with an honorable discharge after 22 years of service.  Al went on to retire from Foodmaker Corporation as District Manager, having received many awards for accomplishments during his career there.  Although very accomplished in his career, he was a humble man, without boast, who held the needs of others above his own.

As a child of the Great Depression Era, he learned the value of money and worked hard to provide for the family that he loved, at the same time conveying to them that money meant nothing if not used to help someone.  He would do anything he could for someone in need, be it family or someone he never met, expecting nothing in return.       

While he was a hard worker, he also enjoyed life and spending time outdoors.  He has fished from ponds to deep sea fishing and has hunted for myriad types of wildlife.  An encounter with a bear is testament to his unending patients, having watched it for hours to make sure it was safe to approach and carry it away.  Following retirement, he moved to Mt. Vernon and enjoyed working outdoors, raising cattle, fishing, hunting and gardening.  He always made sure he planted enough vegetables to share with neighbors.  He had a love for animals and at least one pet horse could always be found in his pasture.   He is loved by his family and will be greatly missed. 

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 12, 2019 at 10:00 AM at Meadow Park Baptist Church, Hwy. 37 in Mt. Vernon.   A graveside flag ceremony will be held following the service at Providence Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Mt. Vernon food center.  Donations may be made at the Franklin County Courthouse or by mail to; Franklin County PO Box 989 Mt. Vernon, Tx. 75457.  A notation of The HUB on the memo line will ensure the funds are used for the meal center.