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Darwin W. "Bill" Fowler, 99, Bellwood, died early Monday morning at his home. He was born in Bellwood, a son of the late Wilbur C. and Leah (Bratton) Fowler.
On Feb. 8, 1943, in Front Royal, Va., he married the love of his life, Thelma K. Gunsallus, of Tyrone, and they celebrated 68 years of marriage before her death on May 6, 2011.
Surviving are his four children: Bonnie (John) Park of Mesa, Ariz., Gary (Deb) of Flinton, Jerri (Ron) Estright of Bellwood and Steve (Kathy) of Tyrone; 10 grandchildren: Wahnetah Shampoe, Michelle McCracken, Scott Greene, Amy Fowler, Steve McCracken, Tanya Kuklinski, Todd Greene, Karly Fowler, Emily Weigand and Wyatt Fowler; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and his brother, David.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Dexter "Duck"; and a great-granddaughter, Emma Simmons.
Bill served with the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II as a bomber engine mechanic.
He has spent most of his life working on various types of engines. Bill was employed as a mechanic at various auto dealerships and auto repair businesses until becoming owner of Fowler's Garage in Bellwood, where he retired in 2000.
Bill enjoyed working hard and traveling with his wife.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but is finally reunited with his beloved, Thelma.
A private service and interment will be held at the convenience of his family.
Arrangements are by Jon C. Russin Funeral Home Inc., Bellwood.
russinfuneralhome.com