Vernon W. Fowler, age 55, passed away unexpectedly Friday, February 20, 2026 at his home in Ontario.

Born December 22, 1970 in Mansfield, Ohio and raised by his parents Richard and Linda (Hammons) Fowler. Vernon was 1989 graduate of Mansfield Senior High School.

Vernon was employed by Kendall House Inc. for over 20 years. He served numerous KFC locations as the Area Coach and was known by his employees as the "Chicken Man". Vernon was passionate about his work. Not only did he care about his job, but cared deeply for those he worked with. Those connections very easily formed his extended family. In recent years, he had worked as the District Manager of Goodwill.

He is survived by his mother, Linda (Hammons) Fowler, of Mansfield, Ohio; his children, Kody (Cassandra) Fowler of Mansfield, Ohio, Kendra Fowler of Columbus, Ohio and Alyssa Cline of Mansfield, Ohio ; two grandchildren AJ Caldwell and Alahni Parence; siblings: Troy (Tracy) Holland of Columbus, Ohio, Kolten (aka "Jeff") Walker of Hamilton, Ohio, Carrie (Chris Gimbel) Mitchell of Shelby, Ohio, Rich (Cody) Fowler of Hamilton, Ohio and Krissy (Chris) Christman of Columbus, Ohio; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless close friends who will miss him dearly.

Vernon was preceded in death by his father, Richard Fowler and his mother, Patricia Colegrove.

Friends may visit the family on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Mansfield Open Bible Church, 1150 Rayfield Dr, Mansfield, OH 44905. A funeral service will immediately follow starting at 1:00 PM at the church. Pastor Dink Porter will officiate with interment held in the Mansfield Cemetery.

In place of flowers, donations may be made in Vernon's memory to Humane Society of Richland County, 3025 Park Ave W, Ontario, OH 44906 and Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, 175 South Third Street, Suite 700, Columbus, OH 43215. .

Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory has been honored to assist the Fowler family with arrangements.

Memories and condolences can be shared online at www.barkdullfuneralhome.com.