Eugene Fowler was the loving husband of Joanna Fowler and the father of Steven, Scott, and Patrick. His commitments to family, friends, and community were energetic, fun-loving, and life-long. He touched everyone around him with his love of life, sense of humor, caring nature, and readiness to help anyone.
Gene was born in St. Louis, Michigan, on May 20, 1930, to OS and Dora Fowler. He was the fourth of five brothers, preceded in death by Jack, Don, and Larry. He is survived by his brother Francis, by his three sons, and by two daughters-in-law, 6 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 5 step grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Gene grew up in Lansing, graduated from high school, and served in the Air National Guard during the Korean War. Later he attended Michigan State University to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering while working full time at the Oldsmobile plant. In his career, he worked as an engineer at Oldsmobile and General Electric, and started a home construction company in West Chester, Ohio, during the 1970s.
Gene loved and played many sports: football, softball, track, golf, diving, water skiing, and bowling. He was a dedicated coach to little league softball teams and the neighborhood diving team. Most of all, he treasured the retirement years he and Joanna spent living on a lake in Northern Michigan.
Gene filled our hearts with jokes and stories and everything fun in life. He imparted a work ethic that was second to none. We will love and miss him, and we will hold his memory in our hearts forever.
Gene passed away peacefully in West Chester, Ohio, on Saturday morning, September 9. Memorial Visitation will take place Thursday (9/21) from 5-7 PM at Hodapp Funeral Home, 8815 Cincinnati Columbus Rd., West Chester, OH 45069. Contributions in Eugene Fowler’s name can go to The Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org), or to The Grass River Natural Area (grassriver.org), P. O. Box 231, Bellaire, MI 49615.