Walter Earl Fowler, 91, passed away August 25, 2023 in Fort Smith. He was born October 24, 1931 in Hutchinson, Kansas to the late George and Helen Fowler. He served in the army for two years as an enlisted soldier during the Korean War; he became a commissioned officer through the ROTC program at the University of Arkansas. He met Delilah, his wife of 63 years, while stationed at Fort Chaffee. He graduated from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Industrial Education. He made a career in manufacturing engineering and was Manager of Manufacturing Engineering at the General Electric and Trane facility in Fort Smith for 25 years where he took early retirement in 1988. He was then under contract for another 14 years as a manufacturing consultant with The Trane Company where he was responsible for overseeing the design and construction of four new manufacturing facilities-one in China, one in Brazil and two in the United States. He retired fully in 2001. He enjoyed woodworking and was an avid AR Razorback sports fan-especially baseball. Walter enjoyed serving as a volunteer for Mercy Hospital. He was of the Christian faith.
Walter was known as a man of integrity who cared for his family, led by example, and remained a constant pillar of strength and encouragement for others. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters, his wife and love of his life, Delilah Fowler, one son, Ronald Fowler, an infant daughter, Janis Fowler and son-in-law Ellis (Jim) Brisher.
He is survived by his precious daughter, Nancy Brisher of Fort Smith; a special grandson/son, Dennis Fowler and his wife Jennifer of Frisco, Texas; a granddaughter, Cassie Dolittle of Cedar Creek, Texas; two great granddaughters, Louise and Mae Hager; one sister, Georgeann Miller of Cortland, Nebraska and a special cousin/brother, Eddie Raner and wife Linda of Shawnee, Kansas.
Graveside services are 10:00AM, Tuesday, August 29, 2023 with Reverend Matt Weaver officiating at Roselawn Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of Ocker-Putman Funeral Home of Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Memorial may be made to the Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation, P.O. Box 30, Elm Springs, AR 72728. The foundation educates and supports Alzheimer’s caregivers.
Online tributes may be made at www.ockerputmanfuneralhome.com