Gary Fowler Obituary
He was born March 5, 1938 in Macomb to Bennie and Bessie (Hillyer) Fowler. He married Sandra Sue Setser December 23, 1956. She preceded him in death on July 15, 2025.
Surviving are two daughters, Joyia (Gene) Greuel of Macomb, IL, Elizabeth (Thomas) Beck of Avon, IL, and one son, Gary Jay (Debra) Fowler of Macomb; grandchildren, Andrew and Austin (Michelle) Greuel, Clayton (Margaret) and Audrey Provine, and Corey (Elizabeth) and Lawson (Sarena) Fowler; several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a special sister-in-law Donna Marlowe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, three sisters, Esther Willey, Helen Vannier, Evelyn Fowler, and three brothers, Lawson, Kennard, and Keros Fowler.
Gary was a life-long farmer in the Macomb/Industry area and retired from the City of Macomb Water and Street Departments. He was a DIYer before it was popular, trying to fix anything, often telling the story of rewiring his home at the age of 14. He took great joy in passing down his knowledge to each generation. He enjoyed antique tractors and cars, and could often be seen sitting alongside Sandra in a lawn chair with his 1931 Model A at the Macomb Car Show. He taught generations of kids to waterski on the annual vacations to Lake of the Ozarks. Some of his favorite times involved music, whether playing guitar with friends at Spring Lake, playing on Sundays with family, or most recently going to listen to his daughters' band. Gary was not afraid of hard work, sometimes working 2-3 jobs to take care of his family, and often said "the only difference between work and play is your state of mind."
Cremation rites were accorded by Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home. Graveside memorial services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Oakwood Cemetery.
The family requests, in lieu of flowers, those who wish to express sympathy consider making a donation to MDH Hospice. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.dodsworthfh.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gary, please visit our floral store.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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201 West Carroll St, Macomb, IL 61455
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