David Paul Fowler

1924 - 2002

David Paul Fowler, 77, a retired mechanical research engineer, died Friday, Sept. 6, 2002, at an Irving hospital.

Memorial service: 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Irving. Burial: 2:45 p.m. Friday in Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Memorials: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 2901 N. O'Connor Road, Irving, Texas 75062; Crossroads Ministries, 928 Bluebird, Irving, Texas 75061; or Happy Hill Farm Academy and Home, Box 26944, Benbrook, Texas 76126-0944.

David Paul Fowler passed away Sept. 6 in Irving, after a four-month battle with lung cancer. He was born Nov. 28, 1924, in Fort Worth, to Clyde John and Irene Flotia Fowler, both deceased. Dave was a graduate of Texas A&M, class of 1946; there, he developed many lasting friendships. He served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, FLARE (Frito-Lay Association of Retired Employees) and Mensa. He retired from Frito-Lay in Irving in 1989, as a mechanical research engineer, with many design patents to his credit. In his spare time, Dave loved to read and solve crossword puzzles, write poetry, travel, talk politics, exchange Aggie jokes and learn. He was a voracious reader, staunch Republican and devout Christian. Dave married the love of his life, Mary Emma Welsh, on Sept. 30, 1950, and their union produced five children. Together they celebrated their 50th anniversary at The Gardens restaurant of Fort Worth's Botanic Garden in 2000, viewing the Stroganoff exhibit at the Kimbell Art Museum after the luncheon with all of their children, family and longtime friends. Prior to his illness, his family had made it a point to visit one another often, despite the miles of separation. In fact in July, Dave and his entire family vacationed in Lake Winnipesaukee, N.H., reminiscing Mary's and his life together.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, David Arthur Brown.

Survivors: His wife, Mary; sister, Sarah Ovrick; children and their families, Sharon Ruth Williamson, Judy Renee’ Porter, John Welsh Fowler, Nancy Jean Walls, and Mary Ann Woodrow; and 11 grandchildren.