Robert Harrison Fowler

Robert Harrison Fowler went to be with his Lord on April 15, 2010. Robert was born on February 20, 1919 in the community of Old Runnels, Texas to Jessie Edwin Fowler and Lenora Seipp Fowler. He very much enjoyed growing up and working with his eight brothers and sisters on the family farm and ranch on Elm Creek. Robert graduated from Ballinger High School, enlisted in the T-Patch, Division of the Texas National Guard, and attended John Tarleton Junior College for two years.

World War II interrupted his studies and he transferred to the Army Air Corps for pilot training. During this period his romance with Evelyn Maurine Batts brought a proposal and a marriage of 68 wonderful, fulfilling years. Early in the war he flew anti-submarine patrols from Jacksonville, Florida where their son, Robert Harrison II, was born. Robert piloted 50 combat missions in B-24 Bombers, 464th Bomb Group, flying from bases in North Africa and Italy over German occupied territories. On one mission over Austria his B-14, Flack Man, credited six Messerschmitt ME 109 Kills and three Probables. For his war valor he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross four Air Medals.

At the conclusion of the war Robert returned to Ballinger to begin his own farming endeavors and was also employed by the Soil Conservation Service. War again forced a change in his plans as he was recalled to active duty by the US Air Force at the initiation of the Korean Conflict. He remained on active duty and he, Maurine and Rob, enjoyed assignments in Texas, Mississippi, France, Morocco, Georgia and Massachusetts. He served in many capacities in flying operations as well as civil engineering. He retired from active duty as a Colonel in 1967 with 30 years of service.

Returning again to Ballinger, Robert actively pursued his farming interest and developing his property on Spur Creek. He resumed his employment with the Soil Conservation Service and the efforts of his soil management and water conservation expertise are evident today throughout Runnels County. He thoroughly enjoyed that part of his life and retired from the US department of Agriculture in 1989. He was the administrator for the Old Runnels Cemetery for many years, revitalizing its solvency and landscape.

Robert and Maurine were active members of the First Methodist Church and participated in their many activities. They were enthusiastic in hosting the eagerly awaited annual Batts reunions at “Panther Lake” on their farm. Many dear memories of those events are cherished by the extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He took great pride in documenting his family histories. His two granddaughters were the special lights in his life who were rivaled only by the arrival of his great grandchildren. He cherished reminiscing combat experiences with fellow aircrew members at WWII Bomb Group Reunions.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents; siblings J.E., Virginia Murphy, Louise Flanagan, Henry, Ross, and James. He is survived by his wife Maurine Batts Fowler of Ballinger, TX; his son, Robert and wife Patti of Austin, TX; granddaughters, Cynthia Dover and husband, Derek of Cypress, TX, and Rebecca Millstone and husband, Daniel of Frisco, TX; sister Mary Anne Hale and husband Charly of Brownwood, TX, and brother David and wife Donna of San Angelo, TX; and three great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the First United Methodist Church in Ballinger. Burial will follow at the Old Runnels Cemetery.

The family would like to thank caregivers, Joelda Cuellar and Rosemarie Cowan for their extended services, as well as most recently, Minnie Cortez. The family would also like to thank Ballinger Home Health, Vista Care and Dr. Dawn Gonzales.