Darwin W. “Bill” Fowler, 99, of Bellwood died early Monday morning, September 19, 2022 at his home.
He was born July 7, 1923 in Bellwood, a son of the late Wilbur C. and Leah (Bratton) Fowler.
On Feb. 8, 1943 in Front Royal, Virginia, he married the love of his life, Thelma K. Gunsallus of Tyrone, and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before her death on May 6, 2011.
Surviving are his four children, Bonnie (John) Park of Mesa, AZ, Gary (Deb) of Flinton,
Jerri (Ron) Estright of Bellwood and Steve (Kathy) of Tyrone; 10 grandchildren; Wahnetah Shampoe, Michelle McCracken, Scott Greene, Amy Fowler, Steve McCracken, Tanya Kuklinski, Todd Greene, Karly Fowler, Emily Weigand and Wyatt Fowler; 19 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; and his brother, David.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Dexter “Duck”; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Simmons.
He served with the US Army Air Corps, during World War II, as a bomber engine mechanic.
Bill has spent most of his life working on various types of engines. He was employed as a mechanic at various auto dealerships and auto repair businesses until becoming owner of Fowler’s Garage, Bellwood, where he retired in 2000. Bill enjoyed working hard and also traveling with his wife.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but is finally reunited with his beloved, Thelma.
A private service and interment will be held at the convenience of his family.