John Debs Fowler, a good man, husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on the early morning of January 24, 2024. Never wanting more than he had and always generous, John grew up proud of his Lebanese heritage, rich in the values of family and faith. He was surrounded by friends and family during his last days of life, and he left a lasting legacy founded on humility, love, and good humor.
Born on the 20th of May in 1951 to John Ivey Fowler and Sylvia Mary Fowler (nee Debs), John grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. He was a loving son and the eldest of four siblings. Johnny will be dearly missed by his sister Lynn Mullaney (Rick), and brothers Richard Fowler (Melody) and Robert Fowler (Susan). He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Karen Spahr (Thomas) and Margaret Frankel (Gene) and brother-in-law Michael Shea, and numerous extended family members (Kenyon and Debs clans). During his early life, education was a top priority, followed closely by New York Yankees baseball and Florida Gator football. John graduated a lettered athlete from Bishop Kenny High School in 1969. He attended the University of Florida and John “Fowlair” “Airman” pledged himself to the Delta Zeta Chapter of the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity before the first week was out. The men who became his fraternity brothers became real brothers to him and Mary for life. John received a degree in marketing and forever after bled orange and blue.
During his time in Gainesville, as a bushy-haired, wild man in cutoff jeans and a tattered visor, John met the love of his life, Mary Dianne Shea. After a few years of dating, and a little cleaning up on his part, Mary saw in John the makings of an amazing father and husband, and the two were married on May 8, 1976. During their 48-year marriage, the couple demonstrated what the phrases “I do,” “in sickness and in health,” and “forever and always” truly mean. As many know, John fought a 13-year battle with terminal lung cancer, and during that time, Mary served as his faithful advocate, caregiver, and companion.
From their union came three sons, John Shea Fowler (Jennifer), Michael Anthony Fowler (fiancée Morgan Holesko), and Stephen O’Neill Fowler (Julie). As a “really great dad,” Pops/Papa Bear is eternally loved by his boys. All were involved in sports as kids, and John showed up for “damn-near” every game. John found time for his boys and their friends. He and Mary allowed friends to stay over so often that their house was jokingly called the Fowler Home for Wayward Boys. His home, like his heart, was always open.
In his later life, John enjoyed being a grandpa. His legacy includes six grandchildren: Juliet (18), Kyleigh (15), John (11), Patrick (9), Alexander (5), and Harrison (4). With his grandchildren, like everyone else, he was a patient and kind man. The grandchildren would like Grandpa to know they love him very, very much, and will always remember those early morning trips to McDonalds, seeing him smiling at them from the stands, and playing with him in the pool.
John was employed at the Internal Revenue Service in Collections. Working for 40 years and carrying two U.S. Government pens in his shirt pocket most of that time, John provided a good life for his family. He enjoyed trips to the beach, holiday dinners with extended family, and a good dad joke (if such a thing exists). He was humble and kind, a loving man who never asked for anything. According to his boys, he was not much of a cook, having provided “tuna over rice” on more than one occasion. But memories made over eating Spaghetti O’s from the can while watching professional wrestling on tv are fond ones, nonetheless.
John never met a stranger, and he never held a grudge. In fact, he remained friends with some of his childhood friends all the days of his life. Some of his sons’ fondest childhood memories include playing with the children of his Delt brothers and their wives at Amelia Island vacations.
John has a unique talent for finding pennies. Mary says that if you find a lone penny, it will be John reminding you that he is still with you and is affirming his love for you.
John taught us to want what we have and be happy with the richness of family and friends. We love and miss you already Pops.
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