Fowler rode in the Trail of Tears Wagon Train and he worked with the late Mooney Lynn to start the Bicentennial Reunion in 1977. Later he started the Pioneer Wagon Train. Larry Spencer of Bruceton stated, “I rode with him at a lot of birddog field trials. He knew more about a gaited mule than any man I’ve ever known.” Spencer also stated that his youngest grandson really enjoyed coming to Camden for the races during the summer.

Fowler’s wife states that in his younger days he enjoyed being a race car driver. At one time he owned a truck that won him first place 99 times out of 100. Even though he was no longer young enough to race, his love of the sport led him to open a racetrack in Camden. During the summer months most Friday nights were spent at the racetrack. The sound of racing engines could be heard for miles.

Sadly, Fowler lost his life suddenly on Monday. He had suffered a riding accident about a week prior to his death but he had been released from the hospital and had returned home. His birthday falls on March 16 and according to his wife, he had a goal to always ride something new on his birthday. Even though he was injured, he was looking forward to his birthday.

As news of Fowler’s death began to spread, calls started coming in from across the country. Fowler already had April 13 set to begin the trail rides and he and his wife were looking forward to the 2009-riding season. In addition to his wife, Fowler leaves behind one son, Larry, four grandchildren, and countless friends and trail riders across the country. A full obituary will be in next week’s edition of The Camden Chronicle.