Franklin T Fowler

FOWLER, Franklin Thomas, M.D. passed away peacefully at Lakewood Manor on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at age 100. Our words are wholly inadequate to describe what he meant to us. A man of great intellect and personal strength, he was a physician, missionary, minister, soldier, teacher, writer, painter, poet, and faithful servant of the Lord. His life was an example of devotion, and he demonstrated God’s love to people he encountered around the world. He touched untold lives as a healer and as a spiritual witness. He was born in Argentina of missionary parents. He graduated from Carson Newman College and from Vanderbilt University Medical School. He then served as a surgeon in the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Europe during World War II. After marriage to Dorcas Hauk of Atchison, Kansas, both were appointed by the S.B.C. Foreign Mission Board as missionaries to Paraguay. Dr. Fowler was founder of the Baptist Hospital in Asuncion, Paraguay, which has grown into the full service Baptist Medical Center and University. They later also served in Mexico. In 1960, he relocated to Richmond to become the Medical Consultant of the Foreign Mission Board. Through all of his world travels, his commitment to family never wavered. Left to cherish his memory and influence are children Tim, Jim, Lindon, and Richard; 8 grandchildren; and 5 great-grandchildren. His wife of 71 years, Dorcas, preceded him in death. There are some debts that are so enormous that they can never be repaid in full. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caring staff and residents of Lakewood Manor, where Dorcas and Franklin lived joyfully for over 30 years. Franklin lived a full life that was devoted to demonstrating his abiding faith throughout the world. He leaves us an example of a life well lived in service to a greater good: “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your Lord.” Matthew 25:23 A memorial service is scheduled at River Road Church, Baptist on Saturday, October 14, 11:00 a.m. In place of flowers, please consider a donation to the Endowed Fund for Benevolence (designate for Lakewood Manor), 3961 Stillman Pkwy, Glen Allen, VA 23060.