Frank Fowler

Frank J. Fowler, 81, of Ashland, passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2009, in Hyannis, MA, after a sudden illness. Born December 5, 1927, in Cleveland, he was the son of Albert and Genevieve Dunn Fowler. Frank was a graduate of St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland and attended John Carroll and Kent State Universities. He proudly supported his alma maters and especially enjoyed attending events at St. Ignatius. He was a World War II Army veteran, serving stateside at Ft. Carson, CO as a medic. He married Kathryn Costello on May 17, 1952. The two were blessed with 53 years of marriage. Frank was employed at AGA Gas, first in the Cleveland office as a sales representative and later as the District Manager at the Mansfield plant. He retired after nearly 40 years of service. A man of deep faith, Frank was a member of St. Edward's Catholic Church, where he served as lector, member of the pastoral council, and on numerous committees and ministries, including the Hunger Center team. He also volunteered at St. Edward's School to tutor students in math. He was generous with his time and very active in the Ashland Community. Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Elks Lodge, Lions Club, Ashland County Senior Citizens Board and Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame. He also was a dedicated volunteer with Hospice of North Central Ohio. Frank enjoyed traveling, especially so he could spend time with his family. After his retirement, he and Katie enjoyed taking trips across the country and to Ireland to celebrate their Irish heritage.

Frank was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his loving children: Mary Kathryn Alan Castor of Mansfield, Sheila Tom Finnerty of Mansfield, Jim Bonny Fowler of Granville, Tom Kim Fowler of Pittsburgh, Frank JoAnn Fowler of Loveland, Nancy Kevin McNamara of Western Springs, IL and Angela Mike Murray of Hinsdale, IL. He is survived by 25 grandchildren who adored spending time with him: Sarah, Christina and Dale Castor, Kathryn, Molly, Anne, Margaret and Rose Finnerty, Jack, Joe and Tom Fowler, Brendan, Madeline and Hannah Fowler, Frank, Matthew and Grace Fowler, Grace, James, Clare and John McNamara, and Michael, Kathryn, Madeline and Collin Murray. He is also survived by two brothers, Albert Eileen Fowler of Lexington, SC and Jack Debbie Fowler of North Olmsted; two sisters, Ann Bernard Burke of Malvern, PA and Margaret Fitzgerald of Bay Village; and two brothers-in-law, James Costello of Ashland and Marty Jeanne McCarthy of Westlake. He was preceded in death by his wife in 2006 and his sister, Mary Jane McCarthy.

The family will receive friends at the Ashland Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 308 Claremont Avenue, Ashland, on Wednesday, October 21, 2009, from 4-8 p.m. where Rosary Services will be held at 7:45 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be said Thursday, October 22, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Edward's Catholic Church, 501 Cottage St., Ashland. Burial will follow in Ashland Cemetery where full military services will be conducted by the Ashland Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or St. Edward's School in Ashland.