Larry Floyd Fowler

Saturday, December 26, 2020

Larry Floyd Fowler passed away Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020, at Freemen Hospital in Joplin, Mo. He was born the third of six children to Floyd and Mildred (Norwood) Fowler.

He married the love of his life, Mary Frances (Watkins) on June 26, 1959. Mary’s advanced Alzheimer’s required her placement in a facility that separated the “Forever Honeymooners” after 61 plus years of marriage. Larry suffered a variety of serious health issues over the past few years, but the family sadly witnessed him die of a broken heart from this separation. He did look forward to being reunited with his bride and living forever in Jehovah’s Kingdom.

Many people will remember Larry and Mary, fondly, as the couple that could be guaranteed to be the first, and last, couple on the dance floor. It was pure joy to watch them dance as they made it look so fluid and easy. The family will testify that the world was their dance floor as it was a common sight to see them dancing in their kitchen, living room, barn, or back yard. The only thing they needed was music and preferably a floor that was slick, just, not too slick!

To this union were born five children, Terry (Tami) Fowler of Hillsdale, Kan., Larry (DaLynne) Fowler of Nevada, Mo., Perry (Kelly) Fowler of Sheldon, Mo., Sherry (David) Lindsay of Nevada, Mo., and Mary Jane (Larry) McHenry of Nevada, Mo. They had also accumulated 16 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren.

Larry was a lifelong farmer by profession. In addition to running a business on the side, he partnered with two of his brothers, Clinton and Kerry in Row Crop Farming and a Cattle operation. He also owned and operated Fowler’s Liquid Feed, which provided liquid feed supplements for cattle. He spent his entire life on the farm with his parents and siblings. Even when he was doing something different, his heart was always on the Farm. He took great pride in residing on the same Farm his parents had established and was very honored when it was acknowledged as a Missouri Century Farm.

He also enjoyed his tractors. He participated in numerous Antique Tractor pulls over the years and had a vast collection of Toy and Pedal tractors.

Larry served on the Milo Volunteer Fire Department and made countless friends through that organization over the years. He will be missed by many.

He was a past Sheldon School Board Member in addition to serving on the Sheldon Picnic Association board.

He was an amazing Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa and Uncle. Spending time with his family (and being ornery to the kids with a mischievous laugh) was one of his greatest joys. (Both the trait and laugh he inherited from his mother!)

Larry was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Mary; two sisters, Helen Leininger, Sheldon, Mo., and Janice (Tom) Lundberg, Wichita, Kan.; three brothers, Clinton (Kathy) Fowler, Sheldon, Mo., Ed (Jeannie) Fowler, Nevada, Mo., and Kerry (Lynn) Fowler, Sheldon, Mo. He is also survived by his children; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; several cousins; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

The family will host an outdoor Celebration of Life on Monday, Dec. 28, at the family farm at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in his name to the Milo Fire Department in care of Ferry Funeral Home. A register book will be available for signing at funeral home during regular business hours.

At this time there is no longer a statewide limitation on the number of people attending funerals or visitations, however those in attendance will be asked to maintain social distancing, and that people are asked to wear face masks to protect themselves and others.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.