Otis L. Fowler

Otis Lindley Fowler, Jr. (Lin) passed away on December 5, 2025, at the age of 82, in Waco, Texas. He fought a courageous five-year battle with cancer.
He was born on April 16, 1943, in Hondo, Texas. He grew up in Sabinal, sixty miles west of San Antonio, and attended Sabinal, schools, which had about thirty students in each grade. Lin was very active in the band and National Honor Society and was valedictorian of his class. While in high school, he worked in his dad's lumberyards in Sabinal and Utopia, loading supplies, making deliveries, and acting as salesman. He later enrolled at UT Austin and received a degree in accounting. After graduation he began work for the State Comptroller, serving in several positions for 32 years.
On December 26, 1969, Lin married Elaine Etheredge. The two had known each other since they were toddlers. They lived in Austin and nearby areas until January 2024, when they moved to Waco to be near Kathryn and family.
Lin loved southern gospel music, and he and Elaine sang in an a cappella group, The Silver Lining. They were original fixer-uppers, remodeling and building six houses during their marriage.
Lin was baptized into the Church of Christ at age 13 and was always active in church work. He served as elder and treasurer at Wells Branch Church of Christ and was a regular teacher. He was always ready to help with any task, and his enthusiasm and positive attitude made him well-loved.
Lin is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elaine, and daughters Barrett Fowler and Kathryn Elliott (Connor). Grandchildren are Danniella Thien, Keira Perkins, Lavinia Elliot, and Scarlett Elliott. Also surviving him are a brother, David Fowler, and sister Lisa McLaughlin (Kevin). Preceding him in death were his parents, Otis Fowler, Sr. and mother Sadie Cox Fowler, sister Rebecca Robinson and sister-in-law Maxine Fowler.