Donald Fowler

Donald E. Fowler, Sr. a long time resident of Rotonda, Florida peacefully passed away on January the 27th 2009 at the age of 83. There will be a celebration of life at a future date. Donald was born to Harland W. and Clara Fowler March the 28th 1925 in Arcadia, Florida. He graduated from DeSota High School in 1943 and immediately joined the war effort by enlisting in the US Navy. Donald was part of the first crew to serve on the U.S.S. Bennington when she entered Tokyo Bay in 1945. The Bennington participated in Air raids on Tokyo, took part in the Iwo Jima and Okinawa campaigns and roamed the Eastern China Seas from Kyushu to Hokkaido. Planes from the "Busy B" were first to bomb the Japanese battleship Yamato, light cruiser Yahagi and four destroyers. They shot down over 167 enemy planes and destroyed over 200 more on the ground. The carrier was damaged by a typhoon off Okinawa and returned to Leyte for repairs. Once completed, Bennington left Leyte on the 1st of July and during July 10th - August 16th took part in the final raids on the Japanese islands. At the end of WW-II Donald returned to Florida and attended Florida Southern College where he obtained an A.A. degree in 1948. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force as a sergeant and participated as a Ground - to - Air Controller in Germany during the Berlin Airlift. In 1953 he returned to Arcadia, Florida and worked in the family citrus and cattle business. Donald married Peggy Stonebreaker and they had two sons George H. Fowler and Donald E. Fowler, Jr. and step daughter Christen L. Grimes. Later he became associated in oil exploration for Mobile Oil Corporation and they traveled to Louisiana and then Texas. At the end of his career with Mobil Oil he served as seismographic interpreter on a special oil exploration vessel that traveled the world searching for oil. After retiring from Mobil Oil Corporation he moved back to Florida and fulfilled his lifelong dream of building his retirement home on Little Gasparilla Island, where his family had owned property for over 60 years. He then obtained his Real Estate License and specialized in selling barrier island properties. Donald married Lina Marie Hurm in 1983. Donald and Lina Marie moved to Rotonda shortly thereafter and enjoyed their Island home on weekends and extended getaways. These were happy years for them and their extended families. Donald has been a life member of the Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary since 1996. Donald's family, friends and loved ones are saddened by his passing and for their great loss, while at the same time finding great peace in knowing that he is back in the arms of his family, friends and loved ones who have passed before and who now welcome their son, brother and friend back home. We thank you for allowing us to share in a life well lived. Donald leaves his wife Lina Marie Fowler of Rotonda, FL, sons George H. Fowler of Rotonda, FL., Donald E. Fowler, Jr. of Andros Island Bahamas, stepdaughter Christen L. Grimes of Clayton, GA., stepson Lee Robert Hurm of St. Pete, Fl., step daughter Jerri Lynn Hurm of St. Pete FL., his brother Harlan Wade Fowler and sister in law Clara Fowler of Daytona Beach, FL., along with 5 grand children Jimmy Hurst, Randy Kveton, Michael, Damien and Ashlee Hurm and 10 great grandchildren. Donald was predeceased by his older brother, Herbert H. Fowler of Arcadia, FL. Through eighty three years of perpetual motion he would smile and say, Some of it's magic, Some of it's tragic, But I had a good life all the way. Highly modified Jimmy Buffett The family requests in lieu of flowers contributions be made in Donald's memory to Tidewell Hospice and Palliative Care 5955 Rand Blvd. Sarasota, FL 34238 or www.tidewell.org.