William Bill H Fowler

His father was in the abstract, title, and insurance business, and homesteaded a cattle ranch on the side. Bill graduated in 1926 from Tombstone Union High School while his father was president of the school board. Bill’s childhood memories include riding the range on horseback with his dad, repairing fences cut by neighbors trying to discourage the homesteaders, driving an “overland” car around the ranch when he was only 10, and frequently repairing its tires.

In 1932, Bill earned a degree from the University of Arizona, Tucson in mining and metallurgical engineering. Jobs were scarce so he did a variety of things until he was able to work in his chosen field. In 1937, he took a job in the area of metallurgy and manufacturing, first in the Philippines and later in Hong Kong. But in 1940, he returned to the states, since with the Japanese occupation of China living near the Chinese border was no longer an option. He found work as an inspector with a ship builder in Los Angeles Harbor as his training in metallurgy and engineering was critical to the war effort. While still in Los Angeles, Bill married Avice Cunningham in October, 1942. They both worked seven days a week during that period, Avice at an aircraft factory and Bill at the shipyard.

Two years later he became a civilian employee of the Army Air Corps, working as a metallurgy inspector of aircraft parts, and the associated manufacturing processes. His work took him to Wichita, Kansas where he and Avice lived until the end of the war. During this time they were blessed with their firstborn, William James Fowler.

In 1945 the family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, and Bill joined Shell Oil and began his career in petroleum engineering. This is also where their second son was born, John Douglas. The family moved to Midland in 1950 and stayed until Bill’s retirement in 1970. They then decided to move to Highland Haven since they loved the area and had friends that had relocated there. Bill personally built the family home in Highland Haven 42 years ago and he lived there with his son John and his grandson Will. Avice passed away in 1993.

Bill and Avice were known as accomplished dancers. For many years, they were active in area Square Dance Clubs. After Avice passed away Bill would continue to enjoy ballroom dancing with friends as well as his son Jim and daughter-in-law Stephenie in Kingsland and elsewhere.

Bill Fowler is a model for persons performing community service. In 1979-1980, he was President of the HHPOA when a serious attempt was made to incorporate the community into a limited municipality to be called “Highland Haven Village”. It was voted down 2 to 1, in a very contentious election. He also served as chairman of the building committee that planned, raised money, and physically built much of the original phase of the Community Center. He served on the LBJ MUD #2 Board for 6 years and for 18 years he was known as the voice of Highland Haven as he wrote the community’s weekly column in the Highlander. And, his engineering skills were again useful as he was involved in the design and construction of the Kingsland Community Church and Fellowship Hall.

Bill is survived by his sons William James (Jim) and wife Stephenie, John Douglas and wife Linda, and grandchildren William Charles, and Elizabeth Elaine.

For those who did not have the privilege of getting well acquainted with Bill Fowler, they missed something. For those who did, their lives have been enriched.

Visitation will be held Monday, February 20, from five until seven o’clock in the evening at Clements-Wilcox in Marble Falls. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, at two o’clock in the afternoon at Clements-Wilcox in Marble Falls. Graveside service to follow at Lakeland Hills Memorial Park, Park Road 4. Reverend Tommie Beck officiating.

Lunch will be served at the Highland Haven Community Center on Tuesday at noon.

Serving Bill as pallbearers are; Paul Wade, Mark Wade, Fred Bearden, Charles Langham, John Aulick and Arthur Browne.

Honorary pallbearers are; Buddy Dobrowolski, Donald Cooper, Charlie Webb, Milton Nevill, and Giles Summerlin, and Dale Cook.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your favorite charity. Condolences may be offered to www.clementswilcoxfuneralhome.com.