Obituary of Charles Franklin Fowler

Charles Franklin Fowler Jr., 94, passed away Saturday, May 2, 2015. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Mellie Fowler; brother, Thomas A. Fowler; sisters, Marie Watson, Sue Smith and Helen DeGroff. Charles is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Martha Fowler; son, Lyn Fowler; grandchildren, Brian L. Fowler, Mackenzie E. Fowler, and Samuel H. Fowler; and a host of many other family and friends. Charles learned as a young boy metalworking from his father. This early education would serve him well throughout his life. Charles joined the Army Air Corps in 1943 and attended basic and advanced flight school. He originally trained as a fighter pilot but later converted to heavy bombers. While stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, he met and married the woman who would be his partner for the next 71 years. Charles would go on to be reassigned to Bari, Italy where he flew fifty combat missions including fifteen in which he was the squadron leader. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart and the Air Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. In 1953, Charles started working for the Fisher Body Division of General Motors. After training, he was transferred to Houston, Texas to open the GM Training Center. There he taught body repair to a generation of G.M. employees. Charles taught one of the first classes that focused on fiberglass repair. He would later go on to be names the Zone Service Manager where he would inspect new cars for flaws and settle customer complaints. Charles retired from GM and used much of his free time plumbing, wiring, and finishing his beloved cabin in Alpine, Arizona. He found great joy in offering his skills to friends and family. Charles and his grandson, Brian took great pride in restoring an Opel GT from a $500 beater into an award winning show car. His greatest joy however was spending time and taking care of his dear Martha. Charles will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him. A graveside service with military honors for Charles will be held Friday, May 15, 2015 at 10:15 am at Houston National Cemetery in Houston, Texas.