Obituary of James Odell Fowler

James Odell Fowler, 65, of Mulder Drive in Niles, Michigan, died unexpectedly at the V. A. Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at 8:05 p.m. Mr. Fowler was born on July 7, 1945 in Caruthersville, Missouri to Earnest and Dorothy Fowler. Odell and his family moved north from Missouri when he was very young. Odell attended Niles High School. At a young age Odell had accepted Christ into his life and was baptized in Dowagiac, Michigan. He had been a member of Washington Temple Church on Carberry Road under the leadership of Rev. Paul Adams. He joined the military serving in the U.S. Army and received many awards while serving his country. He fought in the Vietnam War. Odell enjoyed cooking and helping people whenever he could. He really enjoyed trying different ideas when it came to cooking. On March 21, 1992 he married the love of his life, Mae Esther Jones, who survives. James Odell is also survived by sons, Leon (Jeannie) Fowler of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Raymond Fowler of South Bend, Indiana, Elvis Fowler of South Bend, Christopher Fowler of South Bend, James Fowler of South Bend and Joseph "Joey" Jones of Niles, daughters Glendora of South Bend and Yvette Gardinia of Columbus, Ohio. He is also survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother Dorothy Fowler, his daughter Joyce Fowler and a Brother Bruce Fowler. He also leaves to cherish in his memory his father Earnest Fowler of Niles, three sisters Emma (Edward E.W.) Kelly of Niles, Marilyn Fowler of Niles and Ruby Smith of South Bend, two brothers Earnest (Deborah) Fowler Jr. of South Bend, and Leonard Fowler of Atlanta, Georgia, one aunt Clara (Donald) Terry of East St. Louis, Illinois, one uncle Carl Fordson of East St. Louis and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. A time of visitation will be held on Saturday, February 5, 2011 from 12-1 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Niles with funeral services to honor James Odell's life beginning at 1 p.m. with Pastor Bryant Bacon officiating.