Lester Clois Fowler

Lester Clois Fowler, 84, of Abilene slipped peacefully out of this life Saturday morning, September 15, 2012. He died surrounded by his family, after an extended hospital stay.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, September 18 at 2:00 PM at Highland Church of Christ, South 5th and Highland Streets. Interment will follow at Elmwood Memorial Park. Visitation will be held 6-8:00 PM Monday at Piersall Benton Funeral Home at 733 Butternut Street.

Clois was born in Vernon, Texas June 26, 1928 to Euell and Edith (Moates) Fowler, who preceded him in death, as had his sister, Decima Johnston of Flagstaff, Arizona.

Clois graduated from high school in Vernon and from Texas Tech University in 1949 with a degree in Business Administration. He was on athletic scholarship for all 4 years, serving as athletic trainer for both the football and track teams. After graduation, he returned to Vernon to be Office Manager for an insurance company. He also volunteered as Youth Minister at the Houston and Pease Street Church of Christ in Vernon – a position that provided him both experience and a life-long mate, as he married one of the young women in his church upon her graduation from high school. Clois married Betty Sue Standlee July 31, 1953 in Vernon. In 1958, after a time as Education Minister for the church, he and Betty moved to Abilene. He initially worked as Office Manager for Bailey Choate, a homebuilder. In that capacity, Clois often laughed that he “earned a master’s degree in diplomacy.”

He next worked for Fidelity Advertising Agency, and then in 1966 became Administrator and Chief Executive Officer of Herald of Truth Radio and Television Ministries, a worldwide media outreach based in Abilene. He continued in that role until 1991 and, upon retirement, became Wills and Trust Officer for the ministry, serving an additional 10 years in that capacity. He and Wally Bullington worked together for 11 years in managing Family Conferences sponsored by the Herald of Truth Ministry.

A member of the Highland Church of Christ for 54 years, he served as Elder for 25 years. A special memory was serving on the Facilities Committee with his daughter Susan, when the atrium, offices and new classrooms were constructed at the Highland church. He also served on the founding boards for Christian Homes of Abilene, and Disability Resources, Inc. when they were created.

Clois was a member of Southwest Optimist Club and served a term as Chairman. He also coached a Little League team sponsored by the Club.
Clois is survived by Betty, his wife of 59 years, daughter Susan Wray and husband James of Abilene, son Robert and wife Carrie of Austin, and daughter Julie McFarlin and husband Trey of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and two grandchildren, Brittany McFarlin Elrod and husband Bryan and Andrew McFarlin.
Friends will remember Clois’ consistent good nature and ready smile, despite his having to deal with the aftereffects of childhood polio. He was a generous and caring man, and will be sorely missed by his family and many friends.

The family wishes to express gratitude to the nurses and staff on Anderson 5 at Hendrick Medical Center, as well as to Dr. Brian Ganesh and Dr. Kelly Hyde for their excellent care and attention to Clois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Herald of Truth Ministries, 344 N. First Street, 79603; Disability Resources, Inc., 3602 N. Clack Street, 79601; Christian Homes and Family Services, 1202 Estates Drive, 79602; and Faithworks of Abilene, 1229 N. Mockingbird, 79603.

Online condolences may be offered at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com