Bruce Fowler

    A loving husband, father, grandfather, brother-in-law, uncle and friend, Bruce moved from his earthly home to God’s eternal kingdom on Sept. 12, 2014 after a valiantly fought battle with congestive heart failure and Alzheimer’s disease.
    Bruce was born on July 11, 1934 in Ganado, the youngest of 12 children born to Hazel and W. B. Fowler. He was preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings.
    After graduation from Ganado High School Bruce turned down an athletic scholarship to the then Texas A & I University to follow the lure of unseen places and he joined the United States Air Force, making a career of service to his country and seeing the world.
    Upon retirement from the military in 1974, Bruce returned to his beloved Ganado and met and subsequently married the love of his life, Doris Cihal George, on Nov. 24, 1976, and she survives him.
    For his wife of 37 years, he was trustworthy and true, always willing to encourage and to help her. There isn’t one of his children or grandchildren who didn’t hold a special place in his heart, or who didn’t have Grandpa wrapped around their little finger. He truly was the epitome of a great Dad and Grandpa, willing to drop everything at a moment’s notice to do for or to be with one of them.
    Bruce remained an avid outdoorsman throughout his lifetime, enjoying hunting, fishing, boating and golfing until his health no longer permitted it. Then he would follow these activities via the television.
    He also remained a committed traveler and he and Doris shared the road and many campsites with longtime friends and family. For many years they would celebrate New Year’s Eve at Lake Somerville with their group of camping buddies, sharing communal meals and spirited games of cards and dominoes as well as stories of “Remember when…”
    In addition to being survived by his wife, Doris, Bruce is survived by children:  Danny Fowler and wife, Brenda, Lana George Tatsch, Brenda Gail George, William “Mike” George and wife, Glenda, Dennis Gerald George and wife, Brenda, and David Alan George and wife, Mary Kay. Survivors also include the following grandchildren: Kristy Cunningham, Curtis Fowler, William L.  “Bill” Tatsch, James Heath Tatsch, Sherrie Lynn Schulze, Jessica Schulze Hubenak and husband, Keith, Kirsten George Reyes and husband, John, Vallan George Bledsoe and husband, Jeremy, Breanne George, Jaclyn George Welch and husband, Jason, Meagan George and Jacob George. He is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren and nine great, great-grandchildren. One sister, Shirley Scott, also survives as well as sister-in-law, Dorothy Conner and brother-in-law, Willard Cihal and wife Willie Mae, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
    The scripture, John 1:47, describes Bruce so well for he truly was a guileless man. He was honest, steady – a good provider for his family, loving and loved by all. Nothing made him happier than to be helping someone, and his work-worn hands bespoke his unselfish giving of himself to others.
    Pallbearers will be William L. Tatsch, James Heath Tatsch, Jimmy Fowler, Robin Taylor, Phillip Threet and Gary Scott.  His morning coffee buddies will be honorary pallbearers.
    Visitation will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 15 with the funeral services following at 3 p. m. with H. E. Fowler officiating. Graveside services will be held at ODHS Cemetery on old Highway 59 in El Campo.
    Funeral services are under the direction of the Ganado Funeral Home at 800 South Third Street in Ganado.