On Monday, December 16, 2024, in Pensacola, FL, Rev. Elmer Avon Fowler, age 89, moved to his heavenly home, to be with the Lord whom he loved and served.  He was born on July 18, 1935 in Jay, Florida to Parents, Eli Manuel Fowler and Girlie Gertrude Nowling Fowler.  Avon received a divine call of God on his life at the age of 14 and began preaching and holding revivals immediately. The Lord touched his heart at a young age and through him he has touched the world.  Avon went on to receive his Ordination with the Assemblies of God.  He pastored 6 churches and assisted in many more.  In every church that he pastored, it grew both numerically and spiritually with souls saved! And he either built (physically built!) a new facility or remodeled the existing church building, while he was pastoring that church. God gave him a Pastor's heart, he either built (physically built!) a new facility or remodeled the existing church building, while he was pastoring that church. God gave him a Pastor's heart, because he truly loved people.  He also served as Presbyter for the West Florida District Assemblies of God for many years. Not only did God call him to be minister in the United States, he also called him to work in the mission field around the world.

He was raised in the construction field and also worked for Stebbins Engineering and Manufacturing Co. He used his expertise in construction to build and assist in building at least 51 churches and other ministry projects in the US., never accepting any pay for his labor.   Many of these projects were built while he was pastoring his own church.   In 1976 he began going on World Missions trips, leading teams, preaching the Word and assisting with construction projects.  And, for a number of years, he served on the Builders International board of directors.  He has traveled across the United States, promoting projects, raising funds and preaching the Word. His global travels have carried him with his wife, Debra by his side to 24 countries of the World, where he assisted with over 151 projects, consisting of churches, Bible Schools, Youth Camps, Orphanages, etc.  While traveling to work on other projects, he was also going in and out of Cuba for over 10 years, because the government would only issue visas for up to 3 weeks at a time.  He preached, led ministry teams and helped build many churches in Cuba.

One of the most memorable trips was assisting with the construction of a swinging walk-bridge in Papua New Guinea.  This bridge was 187 feet long and 47 feet above the water.  It served people in 5 villages in a very remote, mountainous jungle area of Papua New Guinea and was their only means of reaching civilization.  This MAPS Construction team consisted of Avon & Debra Fowler and longtime friends and fellow laborers, Tommy Trumbo and Nathaniel Deck.  The Wycliff Missionaries were Neil and Kathy Vanaria.   During the construction they lived in the village with the people, where he also ministered in the Lutheran Church that served the 5 different villages.

There have been many memorable projects through the years.  Among them was the King's Castle Prayer Fortress built on the side of a volcano in El Salvador.  He worked with the architect to design this 3-story building which resembled a castle. Last year he had the privilege of returning to El Salvador along with his wife, 2 grandchildren and a great grandchild to celebrate with Missionaries Don & Terri Triplet and the King's Castle Ministry the anniversary of 25 years, 7 days a week non-stop prayer.

Avon was preceded in death by his first wife:  Eddie Jean Fowler, his father:  Eli Manuel Fowler, mother: Girlie Gertrude Nowling Fowler, brother: Alfred Fowler, brothers: E. Manuel Fowler, Jr. and Allen Fowler, and brother-in-law: Judge Devon Wiggins.

He is survived by: His wife:  Debra Jean Fowler, brother:  J. W. Fowler, sister-in-Law: Jane Fowler, brother: Amos Fowler; sister: Nell Fowler Wiggins; daughter: Robin (Ray) White, grandson - Christopher (Dana) White, great grandson: Nico White, granddaughter:  Cinthia White Fowler, daughter:  Terri (Terry L.) Richardson, son: Eddie (Allison) Fowler, granddaughter:  Lindsay (Matt) Ward, Ciara Fowler, and Phoenix Fowler, great-granddaughter: Braleigh, granddaughter: Kaitlyn Moses, great-grandchildren: Kyler Moses, Karson Moses, Kinley Jean Moses, Mollie Kait Cordell, Maddix Avon Cordell, grandson:  Casey (Tori) Fowler, great granddaughter:  Dani Lynn Fowler, granddaughter: Sydney (Jordan) Stromberger, Soon-to-be great granddaughter: Amelia Rose Stromberger, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 22, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at Pensacola First Assembly of God Church.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 22, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. until service time at 4:00 p.m. at Pensacola First Assembly of God Church.

A graveside service will be held Monday, December 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Pensacola Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorial donations be sent to Missions Builders, 3180 Pine Forest Road, Cantonment, FL 32533 or donations will be accepted for Missions Builders at time of services.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.