Homer Loren Fowler

Homer L. Fowler, known also as Gik and/or Dick, to family, friends and acquaintances, died Nov. 6, 2015 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. Born in Detroit, Michigan June 4, 1918 Dick attended grade school and college in Detroit, receiving a B. A. in liberal arts from Wayne State University in June 1942. That same month he received his notice to report for Army basic training in Missouri, and later left the states from San Francisco and served as an infantryman in the Middle East. Three years later the army sent Dick back to the states where he was stationed at Camp Lee, Virginia. After Japan surrendered, Dick was offered an increase in rank or an honorable discharge. He chose the discharge. While awaiting paperwork releasing him from active duty, Dick met his future wife, Nita. After his discharge they were married in Richmond, Virginia in 1946. Dick and Nita settled in Detroit where Dick received an additional degree in mechanical engineering from Wayne State. Later Dick began his career as a design engineer with General Motors Hydra mantic Division. A few years later he joined Ford Motor Company's overseas engineering division and soon he and his family were sent to Buenos Aires, Argentina. After three years he and his family moved to Valencia, Venezuela for two and a half years. On returning to Dearborn he was assigned to Ford's world headquarters as liaison engineer of Brazil. Dick retired in 1980 and began with Nita a long enjoyable series of travels including the North and South Polar regions, Australia, The Orient, Russia, Africa, Egypt, and Alaska, always returning to their home in Dearborn. Dick enjoyed sports, was a runner and played good tennis. He and Nita were charter members of the Dearborn Racquet Club. A small Russian Blue Cat named Muffie lived with them 21 years. Needing to downsize in housing and be closer to family, Dick and Nita moved to Kalamazoo in 2003 where they enjoy membership at People's Church. Dick is survived by his beloved wife Nita; daughter Jann; son-in-law Jim; granddaughter Emily; grandson-in-law, Jim; sister Dorothee; sister-in-law Agnes; many nieces and nephews spread from New England to the Pacific coast. The family appreciates the kind and professional care given Dick while in residence at rose Arbor. A memorial service will be at People's Church, 1758 N. Tenth St. Sunday, Nov. 15 at 3 p. m. Memorial contributions to People's Church would be appreciated.