Ronald D. Fowler, 76, Chanute, died Monday, April 30, 2012 at Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center.

Ron was born on June 9, 1935, in Chanute, the son of Cecil and Zella M. Johnson Fowler. He graduated from Chanute High School, and attended Neosho County Community College.

Ron served his country in the United States Army for two years.

He was united in marriage to Margaret Sue Franklin Fowler on June 16, 1957 in Chanute. She preceded him in death.

He was the founder and proprietor of Ronco Oil Company in Chanute for many years, and left the business to pursue his love of ranching and farming.

He was a member of Chanute VFW and Chanute Elks Lodge. Ron enjoyed car racing, and was a prominent fixture at local dirt tracks. He also enjoyed his ranch, where he bred and trained race horses.

He is survived by two sons; Jeff Fowler and wife, Tonya, Galesburg, Jay Fowler and wife, Kimberlyn, Pittsburg; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Jabben and husband, Josh, Streamwood, Ill., Andrea Fowler, Chicago, Ill., Kyle Fowler and wife, Ashley, Pittsburg, Christine Fowler, Chicago, Ill., Kayla Fowler, Nixa, Mo., Cody Fowler, Galesburg, and Cheyenne Fowler, Galesburgl three great-grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Margaret.

It was Ron’s wish to be cremated.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, May 4 at 10 a.m. at the Penwell Gabel Johnson Chapel, Chanute. Private inurnment will follow at a later date at Neosho County Memorial Park Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Penwell-Gabel Johnson Chapel.

Memorials in his name may be made to the Galesburg Kansas Relief Fund and may be left with the funeral home.

To leave a special message for the family on-line, visit www.PenwellGabelChanute.com.