Melvyn E. Fowler

      Melvyn Earl Fowler was born in Baltimore, MD to Albert and Helen Fowler on June 29, 1940. He grew up with his older brother Ralph in their family home in Brooklyn Park in Northern Anne Arundel County. He graduated from Baltimore Polytechnic Institute in 1958. Just a few years later he met a beautiful young woman who walked past his house on her way home from school. Brenda Joy Rainier and Melvyn Earl Fowler were married on May 6, 1961.

      The young couple purchased a home in Baltimore County and started their family the following year with the arrival of their first child Timothy. Then 2 years later with their second son, Dan. Darla arrived after 3 more years, followed by Scott, Bethany and Cindy. Mel worked for BGE for the entirety of his working life, retiring as a gas plant operator. Following his retirement, he and Joy moved to Maryland’s eastern shore and resided in Centreville.

      Mel enjoyed playing the guitar as a youngster, and later the banjo, alongside his brother Ralph in several local bands in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He was talented enough to be invited to a recording studio in Hollywood, CA to accompany the professional band The 4 Preps on their first studio album.

      By far Mel’s favorite hobby was crabbing on the Chesapeake Bay and the Wye River in particular. This love for catching and eating crabs stretched Mel’s entire life. He enjoyed being on the water with Joy and his children, and later his grandchildren, watching the sun rise, telling stories and making memories that lasted a lifetime. It’s hard to estimate how many people spent a day, and some- many days, crabbing with Mel. His friends often accompanied him, as did his children’s friends, and even his grandchildren’s friends.

      Mel was known for his deep love of Jehovah God. He was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses on January 7, 1961. He served faithfully as an elder in the Baltimore area congregations, as well as the Queenstown congregation, for over 30 years. Mel’s love for God and his neighbors moved him to actively preach the good news of God’s kingdom for more than six and a half decades. He was a firm believer in the resurrection hope found at John 5:28, 29.

       Mel was the cherished husband of the late Brenda Joy Fowler; Devoted father of Timothy Fowler, Dan Fowler, Darla Ziegler, Scott Fowler, Bethany Kaes, and Cindy Souder. He was a loving grandfather, and great grandfather.

Family and Friends are requested to join us at a Memorial Service on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 3pm. Family visitation  will be from 2pm to 3pm. The location is the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 713 Cabin Branch Lane, Linthicum, MD 21090

Please feel free to express your condolences on his tribute wall.

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