Frank R. Fowler

March 27, 1921 - January 14, 2012

Frank Fowler, 90, passed away at his home on Saturday, January 14, 2012. He was born March 27, 1921 in Newark, New Jersey.

Frank served his country for 25 year as a pilot in the US Air Force. After flying more than 5,000 hours in World War ll, joined the first class of B-47 instructors in SAC (Strategic Air Command)in 1951 under General Curtis LaMay. He was a Boeing test pilot for the Air Force, was the senior instructor pilot and was the officer in charge of a SAC Air Refueling team that refuels the B-47 in flight.

He was the second pilot in the US to achieve 1000 hours in the Boeing B-47 Stratojet. Maj. Fowler was the first in the Air Force to log more than 2000 hours flying a B-47 jet on an air-refueling mission. He was then transferred to the B-52 Program, as an instructor, at Castle Air Force Base in 1959. He was then asked to transfer to be an instructor for commercial airlines transitioning from props to jet airlines. He trained pilots all over the world.

Frank is survived by his wife Catherine; son Frank, Jr.; and step-son Kenneth Johnson; several grandchildren and great-grand children. Also a nephew Dennis Fowler and his wife Jackie and their children.

Frank will be remembered for his flying abilities and service to his country in the military.

Arrangements entrusted to South Brevard Funeral Home, 1001 S. Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL (321) 724-2222.

Funeral Information

Frank's celebration of life will be at 3:30 pm on Sunday, February 5, 2012 at the "At Ease Club" at Indian River Colony Club.