Fred Fowler Jr.

 Fred E. Fowler Jr., age 72, passed away on February 18, 2025, after a long and hard-fought battle with lung cancer. Fred was born on November 14, 1952, in Fairbanks, Alaska to Fred Sr. and Barbara Fowler. The family later returned to Kittery, ME where he was raised alongside his younger sister, Sue, and younger brother, Brian. Fred grew up enjoying time on the water with his family and friends. He worked at the well-known Bob’s Clam Hut while attending high school at Robert W. Traip academy.

 After graduating in 1972, Fred enlisted in the US Air Force working as an airman until 1974, when he transitioned into the Air Force Reserves until his honorable discharge in 1976. During these younger years he also spent a lot of time on his motorcycle. In 1975, Fred met and fell in love with his wife, Carol (Hatfield) and they were married that December. They settled in Mishawaka, IN where they had two children, Fred III and Tracy. Fred supported his family working in paint shops and eventually the RV industry as a mold maker and engineer. 

The love of dogs he had resulted in the family rescuing 5 over the years: Annie, Taz, Handsome Harry, Remington, and Bennington. Beyond his family, Fred made friends throughout his career, but spent most of his time at the slot car tracks, eventually co-owning Thazer Raceway in the latter years. He was well known for sharp sense of humor and harmless pranks. (Got a dollar? The family has no idea what he did with all the dollars). You could always find him enjoying the NASCAR races especially when his two favorite drivers were on the track: Dale Earnhardt and Dale Jarrett. His fun-loving spirit will live on in the memories and stories shared by those who knew him. 

Fred is survived by his wife, Carol, and two children Fred III of South Bend and Tracy Mullins of Anderson, IN. His sister Sue (Russ) Caldwell and their children Alyssa, Adam, and Ashley; and his late brother’s children Brian Jr., Kristin, and Sarah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred Sr. and Barbara Fowler (Stevens) and his younger brother, Brian Sr. 

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date, with interment and Military Honors to follow in Fairview Cemetery, Mishawaka. Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with Fred’s arrangements. 

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