Raymond Dale Fowler

Raymond Fowler ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory - Downtown Suffolk on Mar. 17, 2026.Col. Raymond Dale Fowler (Ret.) passed away on March 13, 2026, at Lake Prince Woods, with his wife, Janie, by his side. He was born on February 4, 1944, on a dairy farm in Valliant, Oklahoma, to the late Clarence and Purlor Fowler.Dale graduated from the Air Force Academy in 1966 and went on to pilot training, where he finished first in his class. He served two tours during the Vietnam War, flying combat missions from Bien Hoa in the F-100 and from Udorn, Thailand in the F-4. Over the course of his service, he flew 427 combat missions. Dale achieved many distinctions during his 28-year career in the United States Air Force. In 1978, he was awarded the Koren Kolligian Trophy, recognizing outstanding feats of airmanship and extraordinary skill. In 1984, he received the coveted Hughes Trophy and served as Deputy Commander for Maintenance.After his active-duty flying career ended, Dale continued his passion for aviation by owning and flying his own aircraft, including a Bushby Mustang II and a GlaStar. He and Janie twice flew from Virginia to California, creating lasting memories with their grandchildren making them Young Eagles.Dale retired in 1994 and moved to Smithfield, Virginia, where they purchased a home on nine acres, returning to his farming roots. He cultivated an orchard with more than 20 fruit trees and maintained an extensive vegetable garden, even growing peanuts. He also started a business, "Have Tractor Will Travel," combining his love of farming with helping others.In addition to flying and farming, Dale enjoyed woodworking, crafting furniture and pedal planes. He and Janie traveled extensively, including multiple cruises to Europe, with favorite destinations including Russia and Germany's Moselle River.Dale was a faithful member of the Church of Christ for more than 70 years. For the last 25 years he served with the church in Smithfield and occasionally worshipped in Suffolk. During his life, he took on many roles within the church, including treasurer and teacher. He was greatly loved and respected throughout the church.He is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Janie; his daughters, Stephanie (Symon) and Kimberly (Kelly); his grandchildren, Caleb, Graceson (Josh), Morgan, and Olivia; his great-grandson, Noah; his brother, Wade and his wife, Erma; and many nieces and nephews.He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Wayne; and his sisters, Mae and Lorene.A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 1:00 P.M. at Church of Christ, 204 S. Church St., Smithfield, VA, followed by a committal service at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery at 3:00 P.M. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home, Downtown Suffolk Chapel, is serving the family.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.