Obituary of Rev. Gene T. Fowler Jr.

Rev. Dr. Gene Thomas Fowler, Jr.

Rochester: Died on November 3, 2020, at the Friendly Home, where he received hospice care following a diagnosis of glioblastoma. He was born to Gene T. Fowler, Sr. and Mary Lenna Owen Fowler in Paducah, KY, on January 15, 1952. Gene is survived by his wife of 38 years, the Rev. Amy Williams Fowler; his son, Thomas P. Fowler, daughter-in-law, Kelley Lane, and a beloved granddaughter, Kiera Tyler Lane-Fowler. He is also survived by a brother, Jack Fowler; two sisters, Penney Fowler Major and Leigh Fowler Summers; three nephews and four nieces.

Gene was a graduate of Bethel University (McKenzie, TN) and Memphis Theological Seminary. After serving a Cumberland Presbyterian church in Mohawk, TN, Gene studied Pastoral Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary. He was awarded the Ph.D. degree in 1987. Gene taught at Memphis Theological Seminary, and received advanced pastoral counseling training in Memphis, Atlanta, and Indianapolis. He served Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregations in Atlanta, Chicago, Indianapolis, and St. Louis. His final call was as pastor to Irondequoit Presbyterian Church, from which he retired in 2018.

Gene's vocation included work as an author. His legacy includes four books: The Pastoral Care Case (co-authored by Donald Capps); Caring Through the Funeral; The Ministry of Lament; Church Abuse of Clergy; and several scholarly articles.

Burial will be private. A virtual Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, November 15 at 3pm. Please contact Rev. Amy Williams Fowler for the link to the service.  Memorials may be directed to the Pastoral Emergency Fund of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, 1049 Wegman Road, Rochester, NY 14624.