OBITUARY - Gary Lee Fowler

Gary Lee Fowler, 73, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2012. He fought a valiant battle with cancer during the summer before passing in the home with his family present with him.

Gary was born on June 13, 1939 in El Dorado to Frank and Dorothy Fowler. He attended the El Dorado schools and graduated from El Dorado High School in 1957. Gary had many careers during his lifetime, but none that he loved more than his educational career. Gary attended the University of Kansas and graduated from Wichita State University in 1983 with a degree in education.

Gary began his teaching as a science teacher and coach at Oil Hill Elementary in the Circle School District. He then became the school counselor at Towanda Elementary School. Gary concluded his career as a building principal at Remington Middle School in May 2000.

Gary found many activities to keep himself busy during his retirement. He baby sat a grandson and great-grandson, attended all sporting and school events of his grandsons, drove the shuttle bus for the hospital, enjoyed watching the Butler Grizzlies play, played many rounds of golf with friends, volunteered at Circle Towanda Elementary and thoroughly enjoyed traveling with his wife and family.

Gary is survived by his wife Shirley of the home, a son Mark (Fish) and his wife Tinamarie Fowler of Pleasant View, Utah; two daughters, Dee and her husband Dan Young and daughter Terri and her husband Preston, all of El Dorado. Gary leaves seven grandchildren: Mark and his wife Amber Orndorff of Kingsport, Tenn.; Jake Orndorff of Mansfield, Texas; Trevor, Kesh and Bridger Turner all of El Dorado; Erica and Jason Gaines of El Dorado and Jessie Young of Wichita; and four great-grandchildren, Gavin Turner, Lukas and Kasey Gaines and Skylar Stephenson of El Dorado. He had one brother Kenny and his wife Lois Fowler, and sister-in-law Romona Fowler, all of El Dorado. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive Gary.

Gary was preceded in death by his son Michael Fowler, his parents Frank and Dorothy Fowler and brother Frank Fowler.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be left with Circle Towanda Elementary or Trinity United Methodist Church.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held at the Trinity United Methodist Church on Tuesday, Aug. 28 at 4 p.m.