LAUREL- Joseph B. Fowler, 88, of Laurel, died Thursday, May 31, 2012 at his sister-in-law's home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 11, 1923 in Calvert County, Maryland, a son of the late Fayette and Lydia (Lottie) Fowler. He is survived by a son, Ronald Fowler and his wife, Cynthia of Hedgesville, West Virginia; daughters, Deborah Lynn Fowler of Laurel and Nancy Bjur and her husband, John of Ballwin, Missouri; six grandchildren, Jonathan Columna, Wenona Phillips, Ron Fowler, Jr., Tashina Fowler, Nathan Bjur and Anna Bjur; eleven great grandchildren; and a brother, Raymond Fowler of Prince Frederick, MD. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 66 years, Mary Wanda Fowler, who passed in 2011; and siblings, Kathleen Taylor, Wilfred Fowler, Wilson Fowler, Virgie Parman, Virginia Fowler, Marie Suite, Thelma Dresser, Mildred Lyon, Bertha Fowler, Fayette Fowler, Frances Swartze, Sadie Blake and Dorothy Morgan. Joe left school at a young age to help his parents on the family farm. He worked in the Washington, DC area as a mechanic for a number of years, including with Ourisman Chevrolet and managed franchises with Chevron and Sunoco. He also opened a dump truck company and for some time used his equipment and strong work ethic to help lay the foundation for the Washington Beltway. In 1964 he moved his family to the Eastern Shore where he bought a farm and raised chickens for several companies. In addition to raising chickens he worked as a mechanic at Cavanaugh Motors. Later he also owned a business constructing feed bins and chicken nests. After many years of hard work he retired to Florida where he lived several years before returning to Laurel. About 5 years ago he and his wife moved into their daughter's home to share their remaining years together. Joe had a kind, giving heart. He was one to always give to family and friends in their time of need. He loved all sports and particularly enjoyed following the Orioles. He also enjoyed collecting bells. He was an active, long time member of God's Missionary Church in Delmar. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Monday, June 4, 2012 from 7:00 to 9:00 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, and also on Tuesday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at God's Missionary Church, 29436 Connelly Mill Road, Delmar, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Pastors Rob Dicken, John Walter and James Plank will officiate. Interment will follow the services at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to God's Missionary Church, 29436 Connelly Mill Road, Delmar, MD 21875, or Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriot's Way, Milford, DE 19963. Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home, Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.