Edward Leslie Fowler

Leslie Fowler, 93, of Unionville, MO, passed away suddenly at his home Saturday, May 5, 2012.
Edward Leslie Fowler was born near Omaha, MO, in Putnam County, on February 14, 1919, the son of Asa and Laura (Durbin) Fowler, who preceded him in death. He married Blanch Louise Johnson in Unionville, MO, on February 5, 1941, and she survives at home.
Leslie was inducted into the United States Army April 29, 1941 and was honorably discharged August 19, 1945. He earned four bronze stars for service in the Aleutian Islands, Easter Mandates, Philippines and Ryukyus campaigns. He received the Purple Heart for a wound in Leyte. He was entitled to wear the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Campaign ribbon, the American Defense Ribbon, six overseas bars, and the Philippine liberation ribbon with two bronze stars. He was a member of the Glenwood Masonic Lodge #427 and the Livonia American Legion.
Leslie operated a trucking business after the war and then worked with John Deere in Ottumwa, IA, for a time before he worked for John Morrell Company for nearly 30 years. He retired in 1979 and moved back to Livonia from Arkansas City, KS. He and Blanche lived in Livonia for over 50 years at different times. Leslie served many years as mayor and city councilman as well as on the Livonia Fire Department.
Leslie was a loving husband and devoted father. He enjoyed his grandchildren and great grandchildren along with hunting, golfing, bowling and playing cards. He was also an avid St. Louis Cardinal baseball and Missouri Tiger fan.
In addition to his wife of 71 years, Leslie is survived by his son, Gary and wife Debbie of Unionville, MO, two grandchildren, Leslie Patterson and husband Rusty of Osborn, MO, and Aaron Fowler and wife Brandi of Stilwell, KS, and six great grandchildren, Kassidie, Asa, and Avery Fowler and Layton, Ryann, and Lauryn Patterson. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Hazel Fowler Ware and Wilda Johnson Hoover, one brother-in-law, Merlin Shelton, and several loving nieces and nephews.
Preceding Leslie in death in addition to his parents were brothers, Bob, David, and Gene Fowler, brother-in-law Art Johnson, and four sisters-in-law, Betty Shelton, Maxine Smith, Abby Fowler and Eileen Fowler.
Funeral services for Leslie Fowler will be at Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastors Gene Weece and Allen Tipton will conduct the service with recorded musical selections, “Shall We Gather at the River?” and “The Old Rugged Cross.” Casket bearers will be Lou Tade, Roy Morgan, Aaron Fowler, Rusty Patterson, Avery Fowler, and Shane Bradshaw. Honorary bearers will be Dr. Fon Owings, Larry Hurley, Paul Bradshaw and Merlin Shelton. Burial will be at the Unionville Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association and may be entrusted to Playle and Jones Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.