Kenneth Ray Fowler

Kenneth Ray Fowler was born March 23, 1935 in Protem, Mo. the son of Ernie and Ruby Fowler. Kenneth grew up working the family farm. He graduated in 1952 from Forsyth High School. He went to work at the Branson Garment Factory in 1955. There he met a beautiful teenager named Marcella Dickey, while Kenneth was in his early 20’s. They soon fell in love and married. Before long, the couple bought a farm in Protem where Kenneth ran cattle. For several years, he also had a mail route from Protem to Ocie.

Kenneth developed musical talent from a young age. Self-taught on an old guitar of his mother’s, he learned to play and later the fiddle (as his Grandfather Em Wolf, before him. Kenneth was very humble about his talent; he knew it was a gift from God. Very few people know that he could have gone on the road with a well-known country band but declined and rather chose to stay with his family and the hills of Taney County. Kenneth’s career in music beside playing for private parties and in church include Silver Dollar City 1974-1978; Mountaineer Music Show 1982-1983; Shepherd of the Hills 1986-2000.  

Kenneth was an outdoors person and enjoyed it as he was able. He found renewal and inspiration in nature. He loved the song “God Walks These Hills with Me.”  He had beagles and frequently went rabbit hunting with his buddies. Another favorite pastime was woodworking, he enjoyed building shelves, crates, and other items for his son.

Kenneth was a devoted Christian Husband, Dad and Grandad and Father in law. Kenneth was a kind man with a great sense of humor. He cherished his family, appreciated his friends and hunting buddies. Those who knew him the best respected him the most.

Kenneth and Marcella had one son, Dwayne Fowler, wife Joyce and their son Jerry who preceded him in death in 2012. Jerry was their only grandchild who brought immeasurable joy and shared Kenneth’s great musical talent. They were kindred spirits. Kenneth is also survived by a close nephew, Kevin Cutbirth, wife Sherri and family.

Kenneth was loved by many people and will be greatly missed.

Graveside services will be Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 10:00 A.M. in Mincy Cemetery, Mincy, MO with Dean Dunn officiating.  Services are under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Directors, Branson.

In Kenneth’s memory, donations are requested to The Gideons International at The Gideons International Processing Center, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251 or gideons.org or to The Salvation Army at 1114 Stanley Ave, Branson, MO 65616 or give.salvationarmyusa.org.

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