Col. Ret. John F Fowler, 94, of Casper, Wy, passed peacefully on Jan. 20, 2021 at the Wyoming Medical Center surrounded by family. He was born on Feb. 27, 1926 to parents Marie and James Fowler in Terra Haute, IN. John graduated from Wiley High School. He then joined the US army and served in WW11 in a U.S Army Tank Destroyer battalion from 1944-46. He received three battle stars. After the war, he attended Indiana State University. John did not finish his degree, instead he joined the USAF. He completed Aviation Cadet Training and received his wings and commission in 1953. John had an illustrious military career that spanned 32 years. He was awarded numerous commendations for his leadership skills and job performance. He was awarded Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Distinguished Unit Citation with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with eight oak leaf clusters, and a V (Valor) device. John served in the Vietnam war in 1970.
In 1955, John married the love of his life, Marjorie Haines of Petersburg, PA. John and Marge enjoyed Air Force tours in Delaware, Colorado, Germany, Alaska, Florida and California making life-long friends along the way. They were avid antique collectors! They retired to Colorado Springs and lived there from 1979 until 2019. After retiring from the Air Force, John spent many years as show manager for the Circle J Morgan Regional Championship. John’s love of horses started as a child but his dream of owning his own horse finally came true when he purchased his equine soulmate, L R Amie Grand Marshal. Their relationship was a thing to behold. If John wasn’t at the barn, you could find him on the golf course or in his woodshop making expertly crafted furniture. He was known far and wide for his corny jokes and sharp wit. He was truly a friend to all who knew him. In 2019 they moved to Casper, Wyoming to be closer to their daughter Amy and her family.
John is survived by his wife Marjorie of 65 years, daughter Marie Fowler, of Colorado Springs, daughter Amy Larson and son-in-law Bruce of Casper, WY, four grandchildren; Mauri Larson, Matthew Larson (Senah), Jenifer Hard (Spencer), and John Larson and 5 great grandchildren. John was predeceased by his parents Marie and James, brothers James and Eugene, and sisters Marge and Louise.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, Feb., 1st, 2021 at 10:00 at Shrine of Remembrance in Colorado Springs, CO. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Wounded Warriors Foundation or to your favorite animal rescue.
Donald Bunce, Colonel, USAF Retired
1 Feb 2021I am honored to have known John Fowler. I first met John when we both worked in the Chidlaw Bldg. Also, we played a lot of golf together as we were both members of ORBs. He was a great competitor and a fine gentleman. I am sorry to hear of his passing. God Bless each of you.
Tom & Kathy Daschbach
2 Feb 2021Was very sad to just learn of the passing of John Fowler. Very sorry to hear it. John was my boss on the ADC IG Team in the early 1970s. We experienced several “wild” inspection trips together. He was a great guy in so many ways and I always enjoyed him. Could not have asked for a better and more supportive boss too. Great memories of his home here on Oak Avenue, Broadmoor ice skating, Xmas holiday events, his golf stories, and updates on his horse experiences. In recent years, I only saw John on occasion, but was so glad to see that he had not changed. Same great personality and sense of humor. My wife Kathy and I will will miss him very much. Condolences to Marge and family too.