Posted by Celia Warren Fowler on December 8, 2007:

Dad, I know you know how incredibly much I miss you, even after a year. I thank God every day for the special gift I had of being able to work side-by-side with you for over 20 years. I was able to see on a daily basis what an incredible man and Father you were. You were my rock, my cheerleader and always believed in me. You always cheered me up when I was down--but now you're not here anymore, and I'm having a really hard time with that, as many people know. You taught me the true meaning of integrity; you showed me every day. You were such a good Christian, not just on Sundays, but you lived it every day of your life. You gave so much to your church, campus ministries, Young Life (the list goes on and on), and I'll never forget your ourpouring of generosity and support to many relief organizations after Hurricane Katrina. You would give the shirt off your back to anyone in trouble, but never wanted to bring attention to all your good deeds and the many lives I believe you truly saved with your wisdom and counsel. You had such a kind and gentle nature and that special smile that I miss so much. You helped a lot of young people get a start in the oil business; you gave them your encouragement, enthusiasm and hope, which was very contagious. You taught me so much about business; how to be a man of your word, to always be loyal and how to help someone when they were down. You could always be depended on to lend a hand, write a check, or most importantly, say a prayer or give a hug. You were such a loving father, by action and example. You were strict, but with a velvet glove. You gave us the gift of a sense of humor, and most importantly, you gave us yourself. You were always available and always knew just how to make things better. I have never seen a man who loved and was so devoted to his wife as you were to Mom. I loved hearing you calling her "your bride" even after 50 years of marriage. You are so missed by the many, many people whose lives you impacted or saved. Of course I don't know what happened with the Army Navy game this year, but I bet there were some "hot damns" and "rich agains" being sung by you and the angels when oil neared the $100/bbl mark! I could never thank you enough for the way you and Mom raised all of us. The biggest blessings of all of our lives were when God brought you and Mom together, and His letting you be with us and be the light of our lives for so long. You're a tough example to follow, but I'm truly trying. I will always cherish the special opportunity you gave us to come to West Point with you for your 60th reunion, even though you had just been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. You were so happy and still feeling good then, and I was so, so proud of you. It was an honor to meet so many of your old friends and classmates too. I also felt a little sad, because seeing and experiencing your deep love and dedication to West Point made me wish you had had a son to carry on the West Point tradition that you had done for your father. When I told you that, you said you wouldn't change a thing, and that having Mom and five daughters was God's greatest blessing to you. Later on, Mom told me you had always told her that you were a lover and not a fighter. Your best friend and classmate, Jack Miley, keeps checking on me to make sure I'm doing all right because he knows how devastaed I was losing you. What a wonderful friendship y'all had, and I am so touched by his concern for me. I think of you and miss you every day, either through laughter or through tears. I love you so much!! Celia

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