Gus Fowler Jr.

GUS FOWLER, JR., 96, passed away on Tuesday, January 22, 2021. He was born on May 24, 1924, in Burkburnett, Texas, to Gus Fowler, Sr. and Myrtle Mae Singleton Fowler. In 1943, In the midst of WWII, he volunteered for military service and began pilot training as a US Army Cadet. After excelling in all phases of flight school, he received his wings and, as a newly minted Lieutenant, was certified to instruct others in the operation of B-17, multi-engine, bomber aircraft. Following the war, he remained in the service of the US Air Force until 1953. For several years thereafter, he continued to impart his flying knowledge to the civilian population of Sweetwater and Abilene, Texas. In 1964, he moved to San Angelo, Texas, where he was employed by GTE – General Telephone Company of the Southwest (now Verizon) as its senior pilot until his retirement in 1983. During this time, he flew everything from Lockheed Model 18 Lodestar, to a Grumman Gulfstream G1, to a Learjet 55 Longhorn. In “retirement” he continued to fly Learjet’s as the Chief Pilot for a local real estate developer while still finding time to get to the golf course nearly every day to hone his legendary skills in that arena. He was a perfectionist in everything he did, and highly regarded for his abilities as an aviator, a sportsman, a raconteur, and a matchmaker.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a younger sister, Marie Janet Cotton. He is survived by his children Diane Soloff (Court), Daniel Fowler (Nancy), Dennis Grider and Lari Fletcher; ten grandchildren; Julie Jewell (Larry), Kevin Dierschke (Tina), Missy Huling, Trevor Soloff, Ashleigh Soloff, Shanna Beth Fowler, Kyle Small, Frank Grider, Kirk Grider, and D. J. Grider; ten great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandson.

The family is very appreciative of the wonderful care provided by the doctors, nurses and staff of Shannon Medical Center (6 North) and The Springs Memory Care of San Angelo, all of whom were so kind and compassionate during these past few months.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.