Obituary: The Rev. Dr. Walter McSwain Fowler Sr.

The Rev. Dr. Walter McSwain Fowler Sr., 89 of Ocoee, Florida, passed away peacefully on March 3, 2022, at his home.

Rev. Walter was born on July 8, 1932, in the town of Union, South Carolina. He is the son of the late Victor L. Fowler and Jeanette Eva Sanders Fowler.

Prior to entering the ministry, Rev. Walter had a successful career as a field technician and technical service manager with Kittengers, Underwood Corporation and Olivetti. He also served in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Camp Lee, Virginia, and Fort Benning, Georgia, for two years during the Korean War.

Rev. Walter was called into the gospel ministry and received his Certificate of License in 1967. In 1968, he received his Certificate of Ordination in Holopaw, Florida. He continued his ministry studies of the word of God at Luther Rice Seminary in Jacksonville, Florida; receiving his Bachelor of Theology in 1969, Bachelor of Divinity, 1970; Master of Theology, 1973; and his Doctor of Ministry, 1976. He served for 37 years as the Pastor for Oak Level Baptist Church in Ocoee, Florida.

He is predeceased in death by former wife, Sally; son McSwain Fowler Jr.; and stepson, Thomas L. Sapp.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mildred Louise Fowler, of Ocoee; his daughter, Diane Christian of Apopka; granddaughter, Shantel Adams of Apopka; grandson, Jeremy Fowler of Deltona; granddaughter, Emma Fowler of South Carolina; stepdaughter, Sharon Mills (Bob) of Winter Garden; and daughter-in-law, Darleen Sapp.

The family will receive for viewing and visitation relatives and friends from 10 to 11 a.m. on March 12, followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11 a.m. at Starke Lake Baptist Church, 611 West Ave., Ocoee, FL 34761.

A private military burial service will be held at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. The family respectfully requests that masks be worn during the service.

Rev. Walter’s arrangements are in the caring guidance of Winter Oak Funeral Home & Cremations.