After a courageous struggle with cancer, Donald R. Fowler “Pa”, 73, passed away on the morning of May 10, 2012, at the home of his family in Battlefield, MO. Previous to his passing away, he experienced the loss of his wife, Lela Fowler, his children Wanda Hale and Larry Casteel and his grandson Gregg Casteel.

He leaves behind his children, Donna and her husband Richard Joyner, Linda Marsh, Becky Fowler, Lucille Beck, Jim Casteel, Rick and his wife Janice Casteel, and Sam Casteel; his Brother Ronnie and his wife Teresa Fowler; his sister Evelyn “Sue” Fowler; his nephew Rick Fowler; his close friend Leona Jett; his 24 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.
Pa was born and raised in Springfield, MO where he was a lifelong resident. In his early years, he enjoyed farming and belonged to the FFA. Later, after graduating from Central High School, he attended Southwest Missouri State. It was while he was attending SMS that he met and fell in love with Lela Holcomb. They married on May 2, 1959, in Miami, OK. He went on to work for DAYCO (later named Carlisle) for 46 years, retiring in 2005.
He was a member of Northview First Baptist and was a volunteer in the Foster Grandparents Program at the Ozarks Area Community Action Corp. He was a fan of Bluegrass and Gospel Music and Cardinals baseball.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 14, 2012, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Sunday, May 13, 2012, in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his honor to the Lost and Found Grief Center.