Edward Fowler

A Memorial Service for Edward Fowler will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastor Murray Jones officiating. Military Honors will be held at the church.

Edward R. Fowler, 79 years of age, of Nebraska City, Nebraska, formerly of Holdrege, passed away on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at Bryan West Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska, following a brief stay. Ed was born on June 27, 1945, in Winfield, Kansas, the youngest of three children born to Rev. Jacob Clyde and Alice Marie (Johnston) Fowler. He grew up in Osawatomie, Kansas and moved to Holdrege in 1956, where he was active with music and wrestling at Holdrege Public Schools. Ed graduated from Holdrege High School with the class of 1963.

On May 12, 1966, Ed enlisted into the United States Air Force, where he served during the Vietnam War.  He was stationed in Minot, North Dakota, and served in the Philippines, and then back to Minot. Ed served as Security Police. He was offered a position in the Honor Guard at Offutt Air Force Base, but turned it down because he felt he was too inexperienced.  Ed was honorably discharged and returned to Holdrege, where he worked as a salesman.

On September 11, 1969, he married Janice Palmer at Trinity Evangelical Free Church.  The couple made their home in Holdrege, where they were blessed with four children. He owned and operated Palmer Brothers Granite Company for 25 years, serving Holdrege and the surrounding areas.

Ed was a member of the First Baptist Church in Holdrege and later, Trinity Evangelical Free Church. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but family always came first. His greatest joy was spending time with his grandchildren.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law:  Bernard and Marjorie (Matthews) Palmer; brother, Bill Fowler; sister, Joyce (Fowler) Barnes; brother-in-law, Barry Palmer; and a nephew, Greg Palmer.

Ed leaves to celebrate his life; his wife, of 55 years, Janice Fowler of Nebraska City; their children:  Angela Cooper and husband, Mike of Excelsior Springs, Missouri; Stacy Parker and husband, Barry of Peru, Nebraska; Jeremy Fowler and wife, Carmen of York, Nebraska; and Desiraé Tira and husband, Jason of Minden, Nebraska; 13 grandchildren: Ashley (Cooper) Lester and her husband, Josh; Logan Cooper; Jake Parker; Blake Parker; Connor Parker; Becca Parker; Brittany Canaday; Gavin Fowler; Marley Fowler; Halen Fowler; Alexis Tira; Izabella Tira; Amelia Tira; two brothers-in-law; Morrie Palmer and wife, Judy of Grand Island, Nebraska; and Howard Barnes of Wichita, Kansas; three sisters-in-law: Bonnie Young and husband, Doug of Holdrege; Annie Oswald and husband, Randy of Omaha, Nebraska; and Gayleen Nester of Stromsburg, Nebraska; along with many nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.

There will be no visitation, viewing or memorial book signing the evening prior to the memorial service. The family has honored Ed's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Ed's honor and kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.