William D. 'Bill' Fowler

William D. 'Bill' Fowler

June 14, 1926 - Nov. 19, 2014

WELLSVILLE, Kan -- William D. "Bill" Fowler, 88, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2014, at Wellsville Retirement Community, Wellsville, Kansas.

Bill's wish was to be cremated. A memorial service was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, with military honors by the United States Air Force. Family met with friends following the service. Inurnment will be at the Oberlin Cemetery, Oberlin, Kansas, at a later date.

Bill was born Monday, June 14, 1926, in Oberlin, Kansas, the son of Ernest and Lorena (Zimmerman) Fowler.

He grew up and attended school in Oberlin, moving to Bentonville, Arkansas, in 1987. He lived in Stockton, Missouri, from 1994 to 2000, when he moved to Ottawa.

Bill was united in marriage with Melba Joan Cathcart Dec. 28, 1950, in Newton, Kansas. She survives of the home.

Survivors also include his four children, Ronald Fowler and wife, Sondra of Oberlin, Connie Rodina and husband, Ernie of Ottawa, Jon Fowler of Ottawa, and Douglas Fowler of Lafayette, Indiana; 10 grandchildren; and 13 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Lloyd Fowler; and sister, Velma Weight.

Bill proudly served his country in the United States Air Force.

He was a hard working self-employed farmer-rancher, retiring in 1976.

He was a member of the Oberlin Baptist Church and the American Legion.

Bill was very talented, making many beautiful projects including woodworking, rock polishing and making jewelry, all of which he enjoyed giving to his family and friends. He was a 4-H leader, who enjoyed working with children, helping each year in the fair with the animals. He also enjoyed fishing, traveling and time spent with his family and friends.

Bill will be remembered as a kind and caring person who loved, supported and cared for his family throughout his life. He will be deeply missed and remain in the hearts and thoughts of his family and friends forever.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Wellsville Retirement Community c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to leave their condolences and memories on Mr. Fowler's Celebration Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com.