David Abbott Fowler

David Abbott Fowler, 53, beloved husband, son, brother and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18th due to complications from pneumonia. Preceded in death by his father, William J. Fowler and sister, Mary C. Harp, he is survived by wife, Marilou, his partner and devoted caregiver of 23 years, mother, Patricia C. Fowler, sister, Patricia & husband John Kneten, brother, John J. Fowler, nephew, William Harp and many other family and friends.

David enlisted in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne. In 1984, he was injured in a diving accident, resulting in quadriplegia. From this tragedy, he crafted a new life of volunteerism and advocacy which led to extensive travel and deep friendships.

An insightful and passionate disability leader in Texas and nationally, David served as the National Vice President for the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) and the President of the Texas Chapter of the PVA. He was a PVA member for 29 years, serving in positions at both the chapter and national levels for the past 23 years.

In 2006, David was appointed by Governor Rick Perry to the Texas Governor’s Committee on People with Disabilities (GCPD). David was an active and influential member of GCPD, including making policy recommendations to the Governor and Legislature related to veterans services in Texas. He also served as an advocate on the United/Continental Accessible Travel Advisory Board, helping the travel industry understand the unique issues related to air travel for people with disabilities.

He was also involved in his local community by serving on the Houston Commission on Disabilities and various committees throughout the years including those that had input regarding accessibility for Minute Maid Park, Reliant Stadium and the Metrorail transit system. He championed legislation for those with disabilities, especially veterans with disabilities and mentored others who wished to do the same.

Refusing to let his wheelchair define him or prevent him from living a full and meaningful life, David participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games for over 20 years, competing in bowling, power soccer, slalom, wheelchair races and power relay events. Thanks to other adaptive programs, he was able to ski, fish, hunt and even skydive. Admired for his zest for life, ever-present smile, positive attitude, and powerful commitment to making a difference, David inspired all who knew him.

Visitation will be held at St. Francis de Sales church at 8200 Roos Rd. from 6-8 PM on Monday, February 24th with a prayer service beginning at 7:00pm followed by tributes. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30am Tuesday at St. Francis followed by interment at Houston National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial endowment fund has been set up through the National Paralyzed Veterans of America. The David Fowler Memorial Endowment will assist in educating clinicians about spinal cord injury, researching better care and assisting Veterans with satisfying careers.

Memorial Donations can be sent do Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), David Fowler Memorial, 801 Eighteenth Street, NW Washington, DC 20006-3517 (www.pva.org)