John "Johnny" Carroll Fowler, 65, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born on February 21, 1961, in Louisville, Kentucky, Johnny lived a life centered around family, service, and making others feel welcome. A proud Navy veteran and corpsman, Johnny served three years on active duty and ten years in the active reserves. He carried that same sense of loyalty, compassion, and care into every part of his life. After many years working in construction, Johnny chose to pursue a new path. At the age of 50, he re-enrolled in school and earned his degree as a Registered Nurse, a career change that reflected the determination and resilience that defined him and proved it is never too late to begin again. He went on to work in the emergency room at Christian Northeast Hospital, where he cared for others with compassion, steadiness, and dedication.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Lee Fowler and Hazel Ann Fowler (née Downs).

He is survived by his wife, Kim Fowler (née Metcalf); his siblings Jimmy (Paula) Fowler, Dana (Mitch) Goldman, and Lee Ann Chroneos; his children Chris (Brandy) Fowler, Joey Fowler, Meri (Katalin) Fowler, Travis (Jadria) Metcalf, and Phillip (McKenna) Arnzen; along with six beloved grandchildren, Ava, Harper, Noah, Kennedy, Brynn, and Charlotte. Though these were the family connected to him by birth and marriage, Johnny was lovingly known as “Dads” by many others.

Johnny built many things in his life, and everything he strived to build was done with care and precision. From years spent working in construction to the countless projects around the home, Johnny took pride in creating things built to last.

Together, Johnny and Kim built a home where everyone was treated as family. Sunday dinner was never limited to relatives by blood- there was always a seat at the table, a warm meal, and room for anyone who needed it. Family traditions were loud, chaotic, and full of laughter. Few things exemplified this better than the family renditions of “Happy Birthday.” Some might say they were a little pitchy. Others might call them downright traumatic, but no matter how it sounded, it was filled with Laughter, Joy, and most importantly Love. These traditions will continue, and the sense of belonging and family he built will never fade.

Johnny (“Dads”) will be deeply missed and forever loved by those who knew him.

Visitation at the Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home, 12444 Olive Blvd. Creve Coeur, Thurs., May 28 from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Mass at St. Monica Church, 12136 Olive Blvd., Creve Coeur, Fri., May 29, 10 a.m.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home  osfuneralhomes.com