Richard Fowler

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On Friday, January 13, 2023, Richard Mervin Fowler, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 79.      

Richard was born on August 4, 1943, in Broken Bow, Nebraska to John Mervin and Evelyn Margaret (Smith) Fowler.  He grew up on the family ranch south of Brewster, Nebraska in Blaine County. Through the influence of his parents, especially his mother, Richard accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior at the age of four.  As a family, they attended Milburn Community Church where Richard’s spiritual life grew.  As a youth, he attended Homeward Trail Bible Camp in Mason City, Nebraska which also had an impact on his life.  Richard graduated from Brewster High School in 1961, then attended Grace Bible Institute in Omaha.  Richard married the love of his life, Joyce Ann Rhoades on July 14, 1963, in Dunning, Nebraska. They raised a daughter, Precious Joy, and a son, Emmitt Richard.

Richard and Joyce truly loved the ranch life, raising registered Hereford cattle and in 1975 they were honored as an “outstanding farm and ranch couple” at the Nebraska Agriculture Progress Conference.  Richard especially enjoyed the annual Fowler bull sales and working to improve his herd and pastureland. Richard and Joyce were an integral part of Pleasant Valley Gospel Church near Brewster, where Richard taught Sunday School classes.

In 1979 Richard and Joyce moved to northern New Mexico where he managed a ranch for a short time, then moved the family to Colorado Springs, Colorado and bought a small feed store.  Over the next 13 years Richard and Joyce grew Circle F Ranch Supply into a thriving, successful business.  Circle F was not only a feed store but became a conduit for ministry and friendship.  Countless customers became friends as they would come to Richard for advice on horse feed, deeper life issues or in need of financial help. Richard was a founding board member of Colorado Springs Rescue Mission, a shelter for homeless men.

 Richard also provided pulpit supply for small churches near Colorado Springs and was an active member of Cimarron Hills Berean Church and Grace Bible Church.  Richard had a particular interest in teaching the book of Genesis. 

In 1993 Richard and Joyce relocated to northern New Mexico, enjoying raising large gardens, a few head of cattle and operating Fowler Auction Service with Emmitt.  Special memories with all the grandchildren were made on the beautiful property, hiking, riding horses, and exploring the river.  Richard loved spending time with his grandchildren there. 

Richard was skilled at working with his hands, from small woodworking projects to large building construction.

In 2004, Richard and Joyce made their way back home to Nebraska, living in Ord, Callaway, and finally Lincoln.

Richard is preceded in death by his parents, Mervin and Margaret Fowler, one grandson Joshua Blowers, one great granddaughter Shiloh Fowler.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Joyce Rhoades Fowler, daughter Precious Joy Blowers (Mark) of Lincoln; son Emmitt Richard Fowler (Jane) of Little Rock, AR; sister Caroline Ritchey (Dennis) Ponca; brother Larry Fowler (Diane) of Riverside, CA; Brothers and sisters-in-law, Claude Rhoades of Callaway; Walter (Marilyn) Rhoades of Brewster; Madeline McFate of Callaway; Marion (Merrial) Rhoades of Thedford; Patricia (Terry) Cone of Burwell;  Twelve beloved grandchildren and spouses; ten great-grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Tuesday January 24,2023 at 11:00 am at the Callaway Community Church in Callaway. Graveside service with burial will be in the Balsora Cemetery near Arcadia, NE at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Creation Museum, P. O. Box 510, Hebron, KY  41048. A visitation will take place Tuesday morning the 24, at 10:00 am to service time at the Callaway Community Church. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com