FORMER CAPE GIRARDEAU POSTMASTER DIES

Former postmaster, community and civic leader Russell Jay Fowler, 89, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, July 29, 1997, at his home.

He was born Oct. 16, 1907, in Cape Girardeau, son of Jay Ernest and Alma Friedrich Fowler. He and Zelma Elizabeth Dunkel were married July 6, 1930, in Cape Girardeau. She died Nov. 4, 1994.

Fowler was a 1925 graduate of Central High School, and received a bachelor of science degree in education from Southeast Missouri State University in 1932.

He then taught mathematics and was a girls basketball coach in Annapolis.

Fowler began his 37-year career with the U.S. Post Office as a sub carrier in 1935. He was transferred to clerk in 1936, appointed clerk of finance and Civil Service examiner in 1940, appointed foreman in 1953, appointed superintendent of mails in 1954, appointed assistant postmaster in 1962, and appointed postmaster in charge in 1970. He retired June 30, 1972.

He was appointed Missouri state organizer for United National Association of Post Office Clerks in 1936, and later was appointed security officer for Civil Service in the area during World War II.

Fowler was a member and state officer of National Association of Postal Supervisors in 1953, and served as state president from 1964-66. He had been a member of National League of Postmasters of the United States, and served as a Missouri delegate to several national conventions.

He was currently a member and treasurer of National Association of Retired Federal Employees Chapter 626, member of Harold O. Grauel Masonic Lodge 672, Cape Rock Chapter 60 Order of Eastern Star, Scottish Rite, Centnenary United Methodist Church and its Methodist Men's Club, and Chamber of Commerce.

Fowler was a charter member of Copper Dome Society at Southeast University, and Salvation Army Advisory Board.

He was formerly a member of River Heritage Museum Board of Directors, Cape County Historical Society, Old Appleton Bridge Restoration Committee, Cape County Nutrition Center Board of Directors, and Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary. He had also been a member of the board of directors for the Missouri Federation of 44 NARFE chapters in Missouri.

Fowler helped to deliver meals to homebound senior citizens, and had been a volunteer solicitor for United Way, Easter Seals, and American Heart Association.

Survivors include a daughter, Ludeane Ruzicka of Chesterfield; a sister, Lucille Parker of Cape Girardeau; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter and two brothers.

Friends may call at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Chapel from 4-8 p.m. today. A Masonic service will be held at 7:30.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the chapel, with the Rev. Neil Stein officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park.