Donald Lyle Fowler's Obituary
Donald Lyle Fowler, beloved father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and community leader, peacefully gained his eternal wings on December 30, 2024, at the Putnam County Care Center. Born on July 3, 1944, in Centerville, Iowa, to Robert Lyle Fowler and Eileen Marie Welsh Fowler, Don lived a life of service, leadership, and love.
A 1962 graduate of Unionville High School, Don went on to earn his degree from Northeast Missouri State Teachers College (now Truman State University) in May 1966. He married the love of his life, June Carol Hatfield, on August 12, 1967, and together they shared a life filled with love, family, and adventure.
In 1969, Don enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he embarked on a remarkable military career as a B-52 Stratosphere pilot. Completing basic training, Officer Training, and advanced flight school, Don served with distinction at bases across the United States, including Randolph AFB (TX), Castle AFB (CA), Minot AFB (ND), Barksdale AFB (LA), and Blytheville AFB (AR), as well as Lakenheath RAF Base in the United Kingdom, where he served as Maintenance Officer and Squadron Commander.
During his distinguished service, Don flew 65 missions over Vietnam and five missions during Desert Storm. His heroism earned him numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, among many others.
While in the Air Force, Don earned a master's degree in education. After retiring in 1992, he returned to Unionville, Missouri, where he began a new chapter as an educator at Putnam County R-1 Schools. A dedicated teacher and coach, Don was instrumental in founding the school's baseball program in 1994 and was the assistant coach for the girls' softball for several years. Those teams' successes led to induction into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in 2024.
Don also served as Mayor of Unionville, leaving a lasting legacy through projects such as the community swimming pool, walking trail, airport improvements, and the monument honoring all 45 victims of Continental Air Lines Flight 11, which crashed north of Unionville.
Don is survived by his sons, Richard (Kenndaline) Fowler of Assaria, KS, and Ryan (Michele) Fowler of O'Fallon, IL; grandchildren Chase (Ashtan) Fowler, Triston Fowler, and Katherine (Allan) Wampler; great-grandchildren Killian Wampler and John Fowler; his brother Robert (Deena) Fowler; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Eileen Fowler; his wife, June Carol Fowler; his brother, Richard Fowler; and his sister, Janice (Raymond) Doolin.
Don's memory will live on through the Coach Don Fowler - Putnam County Baseball Memorial, a tribute to his dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to young athletes. Contributions may be made in the name of this memorial to Putnam County State Bank.
Visitation services will be held on Friday, January 10, 2025 from 5:00PM-7:00PM at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, Missouri. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 11:30AM at Thomas Funeral Home in Unionville, Missouri. Memorials can be made to Coach Don Fowler - Putnam County Baseball Memorial and mailed to Thomas Funeral Home ATTN: Fowler Family at 709 S. 27th St. Unionville, Missouri 63565 and condolences may be shared at www.thomasfh.com or facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome.
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