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Gerald Leroy Fowler, 85, of Richmond, VA died in the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Andy Young. He lived with Linda and Andy for the last three years but formerly resided in Mill Hall, PA and Albuquerque, NM. Mr. Fowler was born in Howard, PA, November 14, 1924 to Clara B. (Leitch), and James Q. Fowler. He was preceded in death by his former wife, Thelma (Strouse) Bowers of Mill Hall, PA and is survived by five daughters: Janet and Dallas Decker of Boalsburg, PA, Linda and Andy Young of Richmond, VA, Shirley and James Gray of Waynesboro, GA, Glenda Feidler of Beech Creek, PA, and Celia and Joe Fagnani of Altoona, PA; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great - grandchildren. Also, preceded in death by his wife, Lee Ripka Williams; and stepson Bill Williams, and survived by three stepsons, Richard Williams, Ronald Williams and Edward William, all residing in Lamar, PA. Gerry was a veteran of World War II, serving with the 1570th Engineering Heavy Shop Company and the 562nd Engineering Boat Maintenance Battalion. He received the Philippines Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with 2 Bronze Stars, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was the proud owner of "Henrietta" (an original military jeep) that he exhibited in parades and veteran events in NM and PA. His accomplishments by far exceeded what one might expect for having only a 9th grade education. Gerry was a respected and skilled lab technician in the Osmond Laboratory in Penn State University's Physics Department for 20 years. Retirement from Penn State lead him to Sandia National Laboratories in NM, where he retired again in 1994. Professional accomplishments included "Department 1110 Technical Excellence Award" from Sandia National Laboratories in May 1990 and American Vacuum Society, New Mexico Chapter for Outstanding Lifetime Contributions to Vacuum Science and Technology in April 1994. He was a Charter Member of New Mexico Military Vehicle Preservation Association - Roadrunner Convoy in Albuquerque. The family will receive friends and family at the Mark Heintzelman Funeral Home at 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA, 16801 on Sunday, October 24, 2010 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Monday, October 25, 2010 at the Mark Heintzelman Funeral Home. Internment with military honors will follow at the Centre County Memorial Park, 1032 Benner Pike, State College, PA, 16801. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bon Secours Hospice, 8580 Magellan Parkway, Richmond, VA, 23227, (804) 627-5360, or New Mexico Military Vehicle Preservation Association-Roadrunner Convoy, P.O. Box 36295, Albuquerque, NM, 87176, (505) 881-2381.
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