Remembering stalwart of county government

Stalwart of county government passes away

Story by Christy L. Smith s Photos from AAC archive AAC Communications Director

Wes Fowler spent his last day ensuring the interests of county government were being looked after in the state Legislature. The AAC consultant passed away Feb. 1, 2017, at Baptist Hospital in North Little Rock. He was 60.

That morning, Wes had escorted county clerks to a meeting of the House Committee on State Agencies and Government Affairs. Two of their bills were slated to run in committee that morning — and they passed with unanimous votes. Later in the day, he accompanied the clerks to a meeting of the State Agencies and Governmental Affairs House Elections Subcommittee, where legislators heard about the need for funding for new voting systems.

It was an issue Wes was all too familiar with, having served as Madison County Clerk for 10 years beginning in 1989. During that time, he served as legislative chair and in officer positions in the Arkansas Association of County Clerks. He was in line for association president when he was elected county judge in 1998.

Likewise active in the County Judges’ Association of Arkansas, Fowler served as legislative chair, first and second vicepresident, then president. He also served on the AAC board of directors and as AAC legislative chair. When he did not seek re-election in 2010, he joined the AAC staff as governmental affairs director. He retired in 2014 but continued to serve the counties as a consultant.

“Everything he touched in county government, he left it in better shape,” AAC Executive Director Chris Villines said for a County Lines article about Wes’ retirement.

Indeed, Wes’ accomplishments range from computerizing the Madison County Clerk’s office to ushering early voting legislation through the state legislature.

In a letter to the Fowler family, Gov. Asa Hutchinson expressed his condolences and noted the important role Wes had played in county government.

“Wes’ willingness to serve the people of Arkansas was remarkable, and he did so with honor and integrity,” the letter reads. “He was a leader in developing and improving systems of Arkansas government during his service as county clerk, county judge and through his tenure with the [Association of

Opposite page: Wes Fowler, backed by AAC co-workers and board members, addresses the crowd of people who attended his retirement reception in 2014. This page, top left: Fowler began his county government career as Madison County clerk in 1989. He served as Madison County judge from 1998 to 2010. In this photo, Judge Fowler conducts business. This page, top right: In 2011, Fowler joined the AAC staff as government relations director. After retiring in 2014, he continued to serve county government as an AAC consultant. In this photo, he speaks at the annual AAC conference. This page, bottom: Fowler, who owned Oakridge Golf Course in Huntsville, was an avid and talented golfer. He participated in many AAC golf tournaments over the years and hosted the 2015 AAC tournament at his 9-hole course.

Arkansas Counties]. Wes was an extraordinary man who was above all a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend.”

Wes was born in Twin Falls, Idaho. His family returned to their home state of Arkansas in 1960 and settled in Huntsville, where Wes resided most of his life. He married Rose Qualls on July 7, 1978.

Wes was always the “go to” man for getting something done, according to his obituary. No toy truck, bicycle or anything escaped examination. He took everything apart “to see how it works.” He owned his own construction business for several years.

Wes is survived by his wife Rose; three daughters and sonsin-law, Melissa and Johnny Birchfield of Springdale, Michelle and Kenny Thomas of Huntsville, and Lori and Kyle Taylor, also of Huntsville; a son and daughter-in-law, Leon and Ana Hendricks also of Huntsville; six grandchildren — Heather and Fowler Birchfield, Madisyn and Kenndra Thomas, Kaden Taylor and Benjamin Hendricks; a sister and brother-in-law, Naomi and Mike Taylor; a brother and sister-in-law, Wyllie and Laura Fowler; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Wes’ parents, Odie and Nellive Fowler, preceded him in death, as did his sister Norma Sue Armstrong.

Funeral services were held Feb. 7, 2017, in Huntsville. The Fowler family was presented with several citations, as well as an Arkansas flag that had flown over the state Capitol building.

The family has established the Wes Fowler Memorial fund at Cornerstone Bank in Huntsville for those who would like to make donations.