John Edwin Fowler

John Edwin “Papaw” Fowler, age 73, of Mineral Wells, a beloved husband, father, papaw, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend went to his heavenly home Sunday, December 12, 2021. Edwin was born October 24,1948, to Alford Leon and Zelma Viola Fowler in Mineral Wells. Edwin honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam war. He received several honors, but his most cherished was his purple heart medal. Edwin was a gunner/scout on an OH-6 in Tay Ninh. He and his pilot were shot during enemy fire. Edwin managed to help his pilot get the helicopter back to LZ Grant despite their severe injuries, saving both their lives. He was the epitome of an American Hero, not only to his country, but to his family as well. A true patriot through and through. Due to the severity of his injuries, Edwin was honorably discharged and returned home where he met and married the love of his life, Debbie Glover on Feb 11, 1972. They would have been married 50 years this February. Edwin and Debbie had two children, Misty Dawn and Cody Wayne. He was everything a father should be and more. He showed them what it meant to be a loving parent. He was very involved in their activities as well as served on the Santo ISD School Board for 10 years where he served as President from 1993-1996. His children blessed Edwin with five wonderful grandchildren who were the apple of his eye. He loved being a Papaw and was so proud of all their accomplishments throughout the years. Edwin believed in working hard and providing for his family. He was a well-known industrial machinist for over 50 years. He started Edwin’s Machine Shop in 1993. Several years later, in 2011 he founded Fort Wolters Machine & Tool with his wife and kids where he passed on his great knowledge and wisdom of the industry to his children and grandchildren. Edwin volunteered for the Willow Pond Cemetery Association as the Board President for the past 21 years. He loved the outdoors and spending time with family. Whether camping at the river, traveling to the coast, or hosting family gatherings in his Party Barn. It gave him great joy seeing his family and friends enjoying life with each other. He was a dad and papaw figure to Penny Judd, Chris Gossett, Shawna and Bobby West and their children Bubba and Shyanne, and Trey & Kim Kalinowski and their children Trent and Mason and so many more. It was not unusual for his grandchildren’s friends to refer to him as Papaw too. Edwin was preceded in death by both parents and brother, Jerry Fowler. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Debbie Jean Fowler, Daughter Misty Steiner and husband Dieter, and Son Cody Fowler and wife Kendra. Five Grandchildren, Corey, MaKaylee (Cooper) & Braxton Steiner, Karessa (Scott) and Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Caleb Wayne Fowler. Brothers Jimmy (Rhonda) Fowler, David (Cathy) Fowler, Kenneth (Missie) Fowler, Robbie (Dondra) Fowler, one sister Elda (James) Youngblood, Brother-in-law W.C. Glover, God Daughter Stacey Edington, a host of very special nieces, nephews, and cousins and one Grand dog, Yoshi. Pallbearers are Dieter Steiner, Corey Steiner, Braxton Steiner, Trey Kalinowski, Scott Bullock, Bobby West, Jon Mark Storm, and Sam Lee. Honorary Pallbearers are Caleb Wayne Fowler, Robbie Fowler, Jimmy Fowler, Kenneth Fowler, David Fowler, James Youngblood, W.C. Glover, Chris Gossett, Buddy Mahan, and all his nephews. Services will be held Saturday, December 18th at 2pm at Fairview Baptist Church with burial to follow at Willow Pond Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, December 17th at Baum Carlock Bumgardner Funeral Home from 6pm-8pm.