DODGE CITY - Leonard Austin Fowler was born on March 7, 1929 in Dodge City.  He peacefully passed away in his sleep at his home on Sunday morning, June 25, 2017.  His parents were Allie (Cates) Fowler and Austin C. Fowler.

Leonard graduated from Dodge City Community College in 1949.  He married Doris Marie Knight in Perryton, TX on April 16, 1949.  They were married 68 years.

Leonard was the owner and operator of Fowler Furniture Company in Dodge City (founded in 1947 by his parents), and he retired in 1996.  Leonard served as President of the Dodge City Kiwanis Club, past President of the Junior Chamber of Commerce (now Jaycees) and has received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award for his community service.  He was former head of the Fiesta Committee, which later became Dodge City Days.  He has worked on the United Way Board of Directors and was March of Dimes Chairman for many years. Leonard was also a Deacon of the First Christian Church.

He and his wife loved to travel to many countries.  He loved to play golf, and he even got a hole in one…twice!  Leonard sure loved spending time with his family and was very proud of them.  He was known for his strong bear hugs! He loved visiting with former classmates in Colorado, Los Angeles, and San Antonio.

Leonard is survived by his wife, Doris Fowler of the home: son, Paul Fowler of Denver, Colorado; daughter Connie (Greg) Kopsa of Beloit; four grandchildren, Kyle (Cassie) Kopsa of Beloit, Kristi (Brian) Arasmith of Beloit, Chase Fowler and Tyler Fowler both of Denver, Colorado; four great-grandchildren, Chance, Alexis, Logan and Sierra all of Beloit; brother-in-law,  Jim Knight of Phoenix, and nephews Joey (Rebecca) Knight of Spring Hill and Chris (Joyce) Knight of Amarillo. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one brother, Homer Fowler.

Funeral service will be held at First Christian Church on Thursday June 29, 2017 at 2:00 PM.  Burial will follow at Greencrest Cemetery in Dodge City.  Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Chapel on Wednesday June 28, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM.  In Lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church in care of the funeral home.  Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.