Bobby Dean Fowler, 86, of Jasper, AR, passed away peacefully at Mt. Vista Rehab, in Harrison, AR on February 9, 2024.

The son of Walter and Ava Edgmon Fowler was born November 12, 1937 at Cave Mountain, Boxley, AR.

Bobby is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Weldon Fowler, of Mt. Sherman, AR; a sister, Shirley Farmer, of Wichita, KS; and a sister, Cleatha Samuels, of Mt. Sherman, AR.

Survivors include a daughter, Deborah Merriman, of Harrison, AR; a son, Robert Fowler (Wife Rebecca), of Wake Forest, NC; four grandchildren, D.J. Collins, (Wife Mandy), of Harrison, AR, Ashlee Colliver, (Husband Kevin), of Branson, MO, Ava Beth Fowler, of Wake Forest NC, and Colin Dean Fowler, of Wake Forest NC; four great grandchildren, Braylen Collins, of Harrison, AR, Brinely Collins, of Harrison, AR, Brynson Collins, of Harrison, AR, and Kealee Colliver, of Branson, MO; a sister, Connie James, of Mt. Sherman, AR; two brothers, Gary Fowler, of Jasper, AR, and Larry Fowler, of Harrison, AR; and many nieces and nephews.

Bobby spent his younger years hauling lumber for his father.  He eventually began working for Boeing Aircraft in Wichita, KS building B-52 Bombers and then moved to Dallas, TX working for Braniff Airlines. There he attended school at night at Steven's School of Aeronautics.  He acquired his Jet Engine License issued by the FAA. This led him to a supervisory position for many years in which he later retired. After retirement, Bobby owned and operated a federal aviation repair station and began working for the College of the Ozarks teaching Aviation Science.  After teaching, he traveled the world visiting numerous islands including Tokyo, Japan, Osaka, Japan, Seoul, South Korea, and Hong Kong, China.  After his travels, Bobby lived in the Philippines for 8 ½ years and then returned to the States and lived with his daughter, and then returned to his home in Jasper.

Bobby was grateful with his life, and the past 10 years he spent rejoicing the Lord and getting closer to his family. He loved and prayed for his family every day and encouraged others to get closer to the Lord.  He will be missed by many and always will be loved.

The funeral service will be 2:00 PM, Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper, AR. Burial will follow in Walnut Grove Cemetery in Boxley, AR.

Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00PM before the service.