Michael Van Fowler was born on April 8, 1948 to Helen & Percy Fowler of Alma, TX and passed away on November 25, 2020 at the age of 72.

Van graduated from Saint John School in 1966 and Navarro College in 1968. He married his wife Patricia Trojacek Fowler on July 12, 1969 and enjoyed 51 years of marriage. He worked for Southern Auto, Cody Company and Sherwinn Willams Automotive Division until 1984 when he began his own company. He was owner & operator of Lone Star Paint & Equipment for 36 years until his death. He had a wealth of accomplishments throughout his life and made many friends over the years.

Van served many organizations in various positions. He was most notably known for his dedication to the fire service in his position as Fire Chief of Telico Volunteer Fire Department for the past 40 years (Jan 1980-until his death). He served as past president of the North Texas Fireman's & Fire Marshalls' Association and past board member of the State of Texas Firemen's & Fire Marshalls' Association. Most recently, Van was the president of Rice Water Supply & a board member of Navarro County Electric Co-op. Additionally, he served as a past president of SPJST Lodge #25. He was a Knight's of Columbus member and a member of St John Nepomucene Catholic Church.

Van dedicated his life to helping and mentoring his family, friends, and others. His tireless efforts will be remembered by the hundreds of people he touched throughout his life. Van had a great ability to understand mechanics and how things work, which led him to be able to fix almost anything. When his grandsons were younger, "Take it to PawPaw, he can fix anything" was a common saying. As they got older to work directly with him, it was common to hear from Van "That's alright, but that's not how I would have done it!"

Van was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brothers, John Richard Fowler and Percy Sylvester, Jr.

He is survived by his wife Patricia and their two children, daughter Julie Fowler Mraz and her husband Jeff; son Michael Van Fowler Jr and his wife Christy; 3 grandchildren Justin Mraz, Jacob Mraz, and Kaylee Fowler with a future grandson expected in January 2021. Van is also survived by his brother, Bruce Fowler with David Sacha and sister Rosemary Fowler; 3 nephews and a great nephew. He will also be remembered by a host of cousins and other family and friends.

Pallbearers are Justin Mraz, Jacob Mraz, Joshua Ludwig, Matthew Ludwig, Lucas Ludwig and Larry Pechacek. Honorary pallbearers are Lawrence Reeve, Charlie Patak, Martin Zapletal and the Telico Volunteer Fire Department.

Van's visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the J.E. Keever Mortuary Chapel of Ennis with Rosary at 7 p.m.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, December 3, 2020 at 10 a.m. in St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church with Father Fred Caldwell as celebrant.  Interment will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery under the direction of J.E. Keever Mortuary, Inc.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be sent to Telico Volunteer Fire Department c/o Marvin Trojacek, 8911 FM 1181, Ennis, Texas 75119.