Gary Fowler's Obituary
Services for will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church on Tuesday, August 4, at 3:00 p.m. A reception will follow for all who wish to attend.
After a short illness, Gary O’Neal Fowler died on Friday, July 31, 2015, on the occasion of the blue moon. He was born in Metropolis, Illinois, on July 5, 1951. During his childhood, Gary’s family lived in Texas, Alabama, Michigan, and finally in Florida, where he spent his teenage years.
Gary served in the United States Army for four years and was stationed on the border between West and East Germany during the Cold War. After his tour of duty, he went home to Florida but decided he wanted to see California. In 1977, he set out on his journey but stopped in Longview to see his sister Shelia and ended up making Longview his home. He finally saw California when his son Eric was stationed in San Diego.
Gary was a carpenter by trade. His handiwork can be seen in hundreds of homes and businesses in the Longview area, as well as in many travel trailers rolling down the road. He was a devoted husband and father. He loved politics, history, the Dallas Cowboys, the Texas Rangers, artichokes, barbeque, and crawfish. He enjoyed cooking, especially when he could share it with his friends. His favorite song was Sweet Home Alabama and his favorite movie was Sergeant York.
Gary was preceded in death by his father, James E. Fowler; his mother, Tolice Fowler; and his brothers, Gerald W., James E., Jr., and Larry Lee Fowler. He is survived by his wife, Julie Hale Fowler; his son, Eric Fowler; his sisters and brothers-in-law, Shelia and Bobby Smith of Longview, and Sherry and William Thompson of Lakeland, Florida; and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the Trinity School of Texas or the Kilgore College Foundation.
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