Hubert Birton Fowler

Hubert Birton Fowler, 92, of Jonesboro, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2011, at NEA Baptist Medical Center in Jonesboro. Hubert was born September 21, 1919, in Paragould and lived most of his life in Jonesboro. Hubert was a graduate of the University of Arkansas with an engineering degree and worked for DuPont in a critical war effort during WWII. In 1946, Hubert was employed by Craighead Electric Cooperative and organized the first engineering department there. He was named General Manager and CEO in 1976 and served in that capacity until his retirement in 1990. Hubert served on the boards of Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation, Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc., and Electric Research and Manufacturing Company. He served as board chairman of both AECC and ERMCO. Hubert was a 65-year member of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro where he served as teacher, deacon and Sunday school superintendent. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Melba Taylor Fowler, in 2006. Survivors include three children, daughter Shirley and husband James Orman of Jackson, Tennessee, Dr. Jim Fowler of Eagle Pass, Texas, and Diana Nagel of Little Rock; two grandchildren: Michael Fowler of Dallas, and Allison Bailey (Jack) of Little Rock; brothers Curtis Fowler of Hot Springs and Wilburn Fowler of Homassas, Florida, and sister Bobera Johnson (Doug) of Ocala, Florida. Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2011, at 2 p.m. at Emerson Memorial Chapel with burial to follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Saturday from 12:30 until service time in the chapel. Online registry at www.emersonfuneralhome.com.