Donald G. Fowler

Donald Gene "Don" Fowler, 80, died April 8, 2011 in Topeka at Midland Hospice House.

Don was born November 24, 1930 at Soldier, the son of Ernest Cloise and Maggie Mae (Houpt) Fowler. He had lived all his life in Jackson County until 1979 when he moved to Topeka.

Don worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company in Topeka and retired in 1991 with 42 years of service. He was drafted in 1951 and sent to Korea where he was in the 3rd Infantry Division, Heavy Tank Company and was on the front line for 10 months. He was promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class and was Platoon Sergeant and Tank Commander. He was awarded 3 Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge. He returned home and enlisted in the Kansas Army National Guard in Topeka, and retired from there after having 20 years of service.

He was a small engine mechanic and enjoyed working on chain saws, lawn mowers and anything with a small engine on it. He started working on them in 1953 and still repaired them for friends up to his death.

He was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church in Topeka. He was a 55 year member of Mayetta Masonic Lodge #393 AF & AM where he was Past Master and Secretary; a 47 year member of Mayetta Order of Eastern Star #383 since 1964. He was a life member of the Media Grotto in Topeka and was Secretary for 26 years from 1983 to 2010; a life member of the Scottish Rite in Topeka, was made a KCCH in 1999; a member of Arab Shrine Temple in Topeka where he was Past President and Past Director of the Ritualistic Cast Unit for 9 years. He was a member of the Legion of Honor and Kaw Valley Shrine Club since 1981. He was a life member of the Mary L. Blair Post No. 44 of the American Legion, life member of the VFW Post No. 1367 both in Holton. He was a lifetime member of the National Sojourners in Topeka, a member of the local AFL-CIO Union Local No. 307 in Topeka and a life member of the Enlisted National Guard Association.

He married Lois E. Hainline in 1951 and was the father of 2 children, Donna Jean (Rick) Ford, Holton, and Ricky Dean (Glenda) Fowler, Topeka. Lois died in 1974. He married Melba Jean Hayes in 1975 and she died in 1993. He then married Marietta J. McConnell in 1996. She survives. Also surviving are 4 step-children, Mel L. McConnell, Bend, OR, Dennis McConnell, Eugene, OR, Marc McConnell, Myrtle Creek, OR and Linda S. Hicks, Topeka; sisters, Betty Irene Kern, Topeka, Patricia Jane Regal, Hanover Park, IL; granddaughters, Nikki (Don) Wing, Holton, Trisha (Travis) Cattrell, Circleville, Amber (Andy) Schiefelbein, Mayetta; step-grandchildren, Shelly, Chelsea, Brice, Kiah, Kade, Mackenzie, Ally, Caitlyn; and great-grandsons, Austin, Joshua, Jason and Connor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, step-brothers, Ernest Fowler, William Fowler; step-sister, Ruby Larson; and step-granddaughter, Jennifer Hicks.

Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 11, 2011 at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. Burial will follow at the Hoyt Cemetery. Don will lie in state at the funeral home after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday and visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children, C/o Arab Shrine, 1305 S. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66612.