Hubert W. Fowler

Hubert Birton Fowler, 92, of Jonesboro, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011, at NEA Baptist Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Hubert was born September 21, 1919, in Paragould and lived most of his life in Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Melba Taylor Fowler; his parents, Anderson Birton and Florence Fowler, and two sisters: Frances Kee and Millie Chipman.

Survivors include three children: daughter Shirley and her husband James Orman of Jackson, Tennessee, Dr. Jim Fowler of Eagle Pass, Texas, and Diana Nagel of Little Rock; 2 grandchildren: Michael Fowler of Dallas, and Allison Bailey (Jack) of Little Rock; 2 step great grandchildren: Sophie and Billy Bailey; brothers Curtis Fowler (Charlotte) of Hot Springs and Wilburn Fowler of Homassas, Florida, and sister Bobera Johnson (Doug) of Ocala, Florida.

Hubert graduated from the University of Arkansas with an engineering degree and worked for DuPont Corporation in a critical war effort occupation manufacturing bombs during W.W. II. In 1946, he returned to Jonesboro to work for Craighead Electric Cooperative. After joining CECC, he organized the first engineering department and served as its chairman for 30 years. He was named General Manager and CEO in 1976 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1990.

Hubert served on the boards of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and Electric Research and Manufacturing Company. He served as board chairman of both AECC and ERMCO. He was a member of the Arkansas Electrification Council, serving two years as president. He was also a member of the State Board of Electrical Examiners, having been appointed by both Governor Frank White and Governor Bill Clinton.

Hubert was a 65-year member of Central Baptist Church where he served as chairman of the building committees during many of the church building expansions. He also served as deacon, Sunday school teacher, and Sunday school superintendent.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with Rev. Mike Martin officiating. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Saturday from 12:30 until service time in the chapel.

Pallbearers include Jack Bailey, Andy Fowler, Marvin Kee, Joe Masner, Rich Nagel, Jerry Taylor, Robert Kee and Dan Kee.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Central Baptist Church Building Fund, 3707 Harrisburg Rd., Jonesboro, AR 72404.