FOWLER, Francis E. (Frank)

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, January 19, 2010 Francis (Frank) E. Fowler, 89, passed away Jan. 17, 2010, in Prescott, Ariz., after a four-year battle with cancer. He was born June 14, 1920, on Flag Day, in East Orange, N.J., to Edgar and Mable G. Fowler. Frank attended high school in East Orange, N.J. After graduation, he attended Rutgers University and several specialty trade schools. Frank began his military service with Essex Troop, 102nd Horse Cavalry, Troop A of the New Jersey National Guard. He then went into the regular Army in January 1941. He also married Florence "Florry" Dietz in 1941. He served during WWII in Africa, Italy, France and Germany with the 117th Mechanized Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron. He was honorably discharged on July 5, 1945. Following his military service, Frank worked for the N.J. Bell system. After Frank's first wife passed away, he met and married Isabelle Fowler in 1959. When he came to Prescott from New Jersey in 1962, he owned two businesses, one of which was Copper Basin Supply. He also was a Deputy Sheriff for Yavapai County and Douglas County, Ore. Frank retired in 1982. Frank was involved in his community as a Boy Scout Leader for 34 years and participated in a World Jamboree. He was also a Sunday School teacher and a church deacon. He was a member and officer in the Prescott Kiwanis Club. He attended Prescott Community Church, where he sang in their choir. Frank had many hobbies and interests. He enjoyed camping, hiking, woodworking, model trains, and, along with his wife Isabelle, built two houses in Prescott. For the last five months, Frank has been under the care of Carole (RN) and Ann (NA) with YRMC Hospice and Joe and John with Helping Hands. We are grateful for the loving care they gave Frank during his last few months. Francis Fowler is survived by his son Charles Fowler of New Jersey; adopted daughter Patricia Fowler of New Jersey; stepdaughters Florence Brady of California and JoAnn Hardy of Maine; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Frank was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Florence Dietz in 1959 and Isabelle Fowler, who preceded him in death in 2005. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2010, at Prescott Community Church, 3151 Willow Creek Road, Prescott. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society and Prescott Community Church. Hampton Funeral Home, Prescott, Arizona assisted the family with arrangements. Information provided by survivors.