Donald Lee Fowler was born on April 8, 1948 in Goochland, Virginia. Donald was born to the late Catherine Odessa Herndon and William Henry Smith. He married his sweetheart Gwendolyn Joyce Randle on May 21, 1971 in Tacoma, WA and they were blessed with three daughters Andrea, Catherine, and Dana (deceased). He enjoyed all sports and also spent time umpiring baseball games in the past. Quiet as kept, Donald never forgot a birthday and would spend hours finding just the right card and gift for his family.

In 1970, he started working at the American Lake VA Hospital as a CNA and in the laundry. He later became 100% Union, and from there he spent a total of 35 years of his life dedicated to union service until his retirement in 2008. After retirement, Donald was still involved with the Union serving in several capacities. Upon his passing, his active titles were President District 11, Council 249 and NVAC District 11 Representative and also Chief Steward AFGE Local 498 where in February, was nominated Retiree of the Year. Shortly before he passed away, he had just returned from an NVAC meeting in Washington, D.C. doing what he loved to do and surrounded by people who admired him.

Proceeded him in death are parents Catherine Odessa Herndon and William Henry Smith, daughter Dana Fowler, father-in-law Edmond Randle (Ester), brother-in-law Robert Randle, sister-in-law Rhonda Randle.

He is survived by wife Gwendolyn Fowler, daughters Catherine Fowler-Turner and Andrea Fowler, brother Vernoise Fowler (Kaylee), grandson Jadon Turner, mother-in-law Marilyn Randle, sisters-in-law Sheryl Randle, Elaine Randle and Earlene Randle, brother-in-law Eric Randle, nieces Tysha Randle, Tameka LaCour (James II), Shanetra Randle, Charnele Landingham, nephews Julian Anderson-Irving Randle and Jacob Landingham. Also, Porsha Walker, Tajanae Walker, Mercedes Walker......all who he helped raise as his own. He leaves behind a host of cousins, friends and of course his AFGE family who will miss him dearly.