Ralph Fowler

Ralph Fowler, 99, of La Vernia, Texas, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2012, just six days short of his 100th birthday. He was born February 10, 1912 in Buxton, Iowa, the eighth and last surviving child of thirteen born to the late John and Anne Dunn Fowler. He served as a U.S. Army Air Corps B-17 pilot and wing commander during World War II, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1957. He was a 32nd degree mason and life member of Al Kader Shrine temple and the American Legion.

His highly successful business career included working as a coal miner, bread deliveryman, instructor pilot, auto repair garage, restaurant and motel owner, land developer, rancher, and investor. He was passionate about his dogs, his 1936 Chrysler Airflow, and the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1930 he met Ruth Maree Swaim of Davenport, Iowa and they eloped after a six week courtship. They had been married 67 years when she passed away in 1997. He is survived by his son, Ronald Ralph Fowler of Rochester, Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 13, 2012 at 1200 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, followed by a committal service with full military honors at 1330 at Willamette National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a tax-deductible contribution (Ralph Fowler would definitely approve!) to "The Lt. Col. Ralph Fowler, USAF, and wife, Ruth Maree Fowler Agricultural Animal Scholarship Endowment Fund" at Washington State University. The address to direct gifts is: WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, PO Box 647010, Washington State University, Pullman WA 99164-7010.

Arrangements under the direction of Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Portland, OR.