MICHAEL FOWKS

Michael Kissel Fowks, age 82 passed away peacefully due to respiratory failure, surrounded by his family on April 7, 2015 in Kansas City, MO. Mike was born on March 13, 1933 in Joplin, Mo. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar and Ruth Fowks, and sister Patty Fowks. He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Sally Fowks and brother William Fowks (Martha and son Billy) of Joplin, MO. Mike served in the military in 1953 and 1954. He graduated from the University of Missouri in Columbia with a degree in accounting. There he met his wife Sally Rogers Fowks whom he married on June 30, 1956. From that union he was blessed with 4 children, Deborah Scroggin (William) Michael B Fowks (Sheila), Mary Melissa Wiese (Andy) and Amy Fowks Macken (Joe). Michael's grandchildren include Nicole Heim (Aaron), William Scroggin IV, Mike Scroggin (Rachel) Tyson Scroggin (fiance Heather), Sabrina Steyn (Norrie), Witney Jo Johnson (Tim), Amber Macken, Anna and Mariah Wiese, Lyndsey and Ellie Fowks, and Andrew Macken, 5 great­grandchildren, Clara, Kinleigh, Chloe, Beckett and Leah. Michael received an honorable discharge from the US Army in 1954. He was employed by Baird Kurtz and Dobson, CPA firm in Springfield, MO, Interstate Securities in Kansas City, and Montgomery Ward as an auditor. Mike became the National Internal Audit manager for H&R Block and wrote their internal audit program. In 1979 Mike moved back to Joplin, MO where he became president and CEO of the Meeker Leather Manufacturing Company, retiring in 1990. He was a Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Nursing Home Administrator. Mike was a master craftsman. He built a Rhodes 28 sailboat, the "Sally J" and launched it in 1979 at the Sailboat Club of Grand Lake, OK. There he and Sally raced, winning multiple honors over the years. Mike built numerous radio controlled airplanes, large wooden model ships, and an all mahogany 16 foot James Craft inboard classic. He restored a 1931 Chevy, like the one he had in high school. He loved sailing, fishing, traveling, going on cruises, his hobbies, and his family. In lieu of flowers, a memorial scholarship fund has been established by his grandson Tyson for basketball players in need at East High School in Wichita. Contributions can be made to The Michael Fowks Scholarship, 2301 E. Douglas, Wichita, KS 67211. Services were held on Saturday, April 11, 2015. Burial in Joplin, MO at a later date.