Obituary: R. Walter Fowler

R. Walter Fowler 1914 ~ 2007 R. Walter Fowler, 93, of Springville, Utah passed away on March 22, 2007 from causes incident to age and a debilitating stroke suffered in February, 2006. He was born in Ogden, Utah on Feb. 19, 1914 to Richard James Fowler and Florence Farr Fowler. He graduated from Ogden High School and received a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Utah in 1935. Graduating during the Depression, he eventually obtained employment with the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation in Denver, CO for whom he worked for over 38 years until his retirement in 1977. Although his career with the Bureau began and ended in Denver, CO, promotions and transfers took him to Redding, California; Estes Park, Colorado; Loveland, Colorado; and, Schenectady, New York. At the time of his retirement, he was Chief of the Installation and Inspection Branch for the Denver Office. Following retirement, he moved to Springville, UT where he resided until his death. On May 1, 1939 he married Manita Clayton Fowler in the Salt Lake Temple. During their lifetimes they were blessed with six children, 24 grandchildren and 50 great-grandchildren. He is survived by five of his six children: Ann (Ron) Van Woerkom; John (Marie) Fowler, Alice (Ray) Oliver; Audrey (Jeff) Talley; and, Richard (Tina) Fowler. He was preceded in death by his oldest son Roger (10) in 1951 and wife Manita (90) in 2006. Walter loved to study and teach others the gospel of Jesus Christ. He regularly studied his scriptures until just a few days before his death. He particularly loved The Book of Mormon and encouraged each member of his family to gain their own testimony of that book through study and prayer. He served in numerous District, Ward and Stake callings and Councils during his life and was ordained a High Priest in 1940 by Elder Joseph F. Merrill and a Bishop in 1964 by Elder LeGrand Richards. Funeral services will be held at the Hobble Creek 7th Ward Chapel, 1965 East Canyon Road, Springville, Utah on Monday, March 26, 2007 at 11 a.m. Viewings will be at the Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 S., Springville on Sun., March 25, 2007 from 6-8 p.m. and, one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will follow at the Ogden City Cemetery. The family appreciates the wonderful care their father received following his stroke from the staff at Hearthstone Manor in Spanish Fork. They also appreciate the services of Alpine Homecare and Hospice during the last days of his life. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Perpetual Education Fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Condolences may be sent to wheelermortuary@msn.com