Obituaries

John Fowler, 12/25/30-10/10/23. Lima, Ohio native John Fowler passed away peacefully in New York City on October 10, 2023 after a brief illness. He was the youngest child of Rita Reed Fowler and Glen Fowler, both of whom predeceased him. John Fowler’s only sibling Dr. Nancy Fowler predeceased her brother in 2021. Mr. Fowler is survived by an extended family and many beloved friends and students.
John Fowler graduated from Lima South High School and earned an M.A. in music from Ohio State University. After graduation from OSU he served honorably in the United States Army where he was stationed for a period of time in Japan. After leaving the Army, Mr. Fowler eventually made his way to New York City and embarked upon a dynamic and exciting career in the entertainment industry, gracing the stage, television, and screen with his charismatic personality and leading man look. A multi-talented individual, John Fowler exhibited enormous gifts in music, dance, and acting and became a member of SAG-AFTRA.
After retirement from the entertainment profession, Mr. Fowler taught ballroom dancing for many years for the Arthur Murray Dance Studios in New York City. John Fowler continued to provide private dancing lessons to friends and students until a few years ago as a member of the Manhattan Ballroom Society. Despite his love for Manhattan evenings, Mr. Fowler continued to maintain a home in Lima where he would return for visits.
Funeral Services for John Fowler will begin at 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Elm Street Church of the Brethren, 619 E. Elm St., Lima, Ohio, with Pastor James Washington officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery, Lima, with military rites by V.F.W. Post 1275. Visitation for Mr. Fowler will begin at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday in the church.. Arrangements are by Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services.
Contributions in memory of John Fowler may be made to the endowment honoring Mr. Fowler’s mother Rita R. Fowler at the Florida State University (FSU) College of Music, 122 N. Copeland Street, Tallahassee, FL, 32306.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.