Thomas W. Fowler

Thomas “Tom” Fowler, 81, of Sun City, AZ, passed away peacefully Monday, July 18, 2022, in Surprise, AZ.

Tom was born August 3, 1940, in Lake Forest, IL, to Everett and Lulu Fowler.  Tom graduated from McHenry Community High School in 1958.  Tom married the late Arlene Oeffling on May 28, 1960, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg, IL.  They raised four children together in Johnsburg.

He worked for many years at the Northern Illinois Gas Company.  He enjoyed fishing, boating, and golfing.  Tom served on the Johnsburg Rescue Squad and as vice president of the Johnsburg Community Club.  He was a co-founder of the St. John’s School Athletic Association.  Tom will be fondly remembered by many as “Coach” Fowler from his days coaching basketball at St. John the Baptist School, baseball in the Johnsburg Boys Baseball League, and softball in the Johnsburg Pigtail League.

Tom is survived by his children, Tom Fowler, Nancy (Scott) Valentin, Jeff Fowler, and Karen (Chris) Barbian; grandchildren, Ryne (Rachel) Valentin, Kevin Valentin, Nathan Barbian, and Caitlyn Barbian; great-grandchildren, Harper Valentin, Ava Valentin, and Mae Valentin; and siblings, Don Fowler, Ruth Groves, and Robert “Bob” (Barb) Fowler.  Many nieces and nephews also survive him.

Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife, Arlene; parents, Everett and Lulu; and sister, Linda Fowler.

The family would like to thank Tom’s Sun City neighbor, Dave Powers, for his caring friendship and for looking out for Tom the last several years.

A funeral Mass for Tom will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, August 19, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 2302 W. Church St., Johnsburg, IL.  Urn burial will follow in St. John the Baptist Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Tom’s name may be made to the “St. John’s Athletic Booster Club”, St. John the Baptist Catholic School, 2304 W. Church St., Johnsburg, IL 60051.

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