He married the love of his life, Pauline Burns, in 1956. He gave his life to the Lord in 1969 and was called to preach later that year.
In his early life, he worked as a butcher and spent one year on the Heavener police force. Wayne became a licensed plumber in 1966. He worked as a plumber throughout his life, while pastoring several churches locally. Churches he pastored over the span of 39 years included: Mt. Pleasant Baptist, Darwin Baptist Church, Old Pathway Baptist Church, Cauthron Baptist Church (Ark), Winfield Baptist Church (Ark.), Cedar Creek Baptist (Weeks, Ark.), Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Pauline, of 69 years; three daughters — Sherry Steelman and husband Randy; Phyllis Pace and Chris; Judy May and husband Tony all of Heavener. Two sons – Bob Fowler and Terry Fowler both of Heavener. One brother Stanley Fowler and wife Wilma of Wister. 22 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, five great great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Debbie Steelman; daughter-in-law, Jayleen Fowler; three grandsons – Justin Steelman, Casey Pace and Daniel Fowler and two brothers Gene Fowler & Hardy Fowler.
He enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, fishing, and hunting. He loved being outside and enjoying the show that nature provided for him. During his lifetime, he reached hundreds of people through revivals, weddings and over 400 funerals.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 12, 2026 at the Forrester Baptist Church with Brother Mike Steelman and Brother Joey Bottoms officiating. Interment will follow in Hontubby Cemetery under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be: His Grandsons
Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday with family visiting with friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
To sign Wayne’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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