On October 12, 2022, an amazing and honorable man passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family
and friends. Steven Monroe Fowler was born on July 31st, 1946, in Bakersfield, the fourth son of
parents Wayne Monroe Fowler and Sheila Trenchard- Morison Fowler (Smalley). Steve grew up in East
Bakersfield, attended Horace Mann Elementary, Sierra Jr. High, and started his freshman year at East
Bakersfield High School before his family moved to Avila Beach. He attended and was a member of the
first graduating class of the newly completed San Luis Obispo High School. After graduation, Steven
joined the United States Army and was stationed in Germany where he served as a Sergeant E5 until his
discharge in 1967. Steve returned to his beloved Bakersfield, raised Chinchillas, and was part
owner in a beer bar and a Chevron gas station. In 1969, he joined the Iron Workers Union and worked
on many local projects. In 1977, Steve became a General Contractor and started his own business Aztec
Structures where he specialized in metal buildings, concrete, and new home construction. In 1987,
he changed the name of his business to Monroe Construction, Inc. and focused on concrete construction
in both the industrial and the commercial industries. Steve was well known throughout the Kern
County Oil Fields where he built not only many structures but made many lasting friendships. He was
extremely innovative and during these years worked on and developed many inventions.
The one he was especially proud of was Enviro Vac. This was a specially designed vacuum head that
mixed hot water with spilled oil and vacuumed it up so that it would have minimal environmental
impact on the top soil. In 2007, he started an additional construction company, Steven M. Fowler
Construction, Inc., a Disabled Veterans Business Enterprise. Steve’s love of the United States was
evident in everything he executed. His enthusiasm for construction, creativity, and his work ethic
continued until his passing. Steve enjoyed many passions and athletic hobbies. He became a runner
and in 1984, was chosen as one of the Olympic Torch bearers as it traveled through Bakersfield to the
Los Angeles Summer Olympics. He became an expert skier and was one of the original Bakersfield Ski
Club members. He skied most of the resorts in the Western U.S. and Canada. Water skiing was another
sport in which he excelled, he spent many enjoyable years skiing, camping, and boating with family and
friends at Redinger Lake. Steve added fly fishing to his sporting activities and enjoyed going on many
fishing trips with a special group of friends. Steve developed an interest in golf (a sport he proclaimed he
would never do). In 1995, he became a member of the Stockdale Country Club. As many can attest,
this was Steve’s second home. He loved being a member and made many close and lasting friendships.
With his friendly smile and wave to all he met, Steve became known affectionately as the Mayor of Olde
Stockdale. On Saturdays for over 45 years, Steve could be found on the corner barstool at Luigi’s. He
had his Reserved sign and his bucket of beer strategically placed so he could visit with all who he met or
knew. He was honored a few months ago, when he was unable to continue this long tradition, with a
special plaque designating his seat as Fowler’s Corner. Steve was the only patron that had to call Luigi’s
and let them know he would NOT be there on Saturdays. In 1988, he became one of the first winners of
the newly established California Lottery when he purchased a quick pick. Throughout the years Steve
also enjoyed restoring hot rods with his brother Richard.

Steve supported many non-profits locally. His main focus over the years became the Bakersfield
Police Activities League. He contributed his time and many construction projects to PAL so the youth of
Bakersfield could safely enjoy their after-school time. This organization was so special to Steve that
he and his wife started a foundation to specifically help young adults coming through the PAL program.
Steve was an overly generous person who was described as being rough around the edges.
Most of his generosity was done anonymously. He never looked for credit; he gave only with a full and
loving heart.

In 1984, the confirmed bachelor met the love of his life Marilyn Shapazian and they married on
November 1, 1986. This special love continued for 38 years. Together they spent their time
vacationing on Balboa Island with close friends, traveling the U.S., snow skiing, boating, fly fishing, and
just being together. Steve and Marilyn had no children but were blessed with many nieces and
nephews. Family was an important part of Steve’s life. He felt privileged to offer the younger
generation advice when asked and even when he wasn’t.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents Wayne and Sheila, and his brothers Clifford John, and
Richard Grant Fowler, and nephews Christopher and Aaron Felix. He is survived by his loving wife,
Marilyn, brother David Fowler and sisters Dianne Fowler, Terri Rocha, Robin Brassfield Cooper (Bobby),
Steve Smalley, Cherrie Arthur (Bob). Nephews Gary (Oleta), John (Lisa), Donald (Rachel), Mark (Asta),
and Dan Fowler, Roy Harris, Richard Jr., Patrick, Nicholas Felix, Matt Brassfield (Melanie), Paul (Christina)
and Blake Shapazian. Nieces Rebecca Harris, Tammie Gerecke (Derecke), and Amy Felix DeNitto
(Carmine), Alison Parnagian (Ross), Kayla Rodriguez, and over 25 great nephews and nieces.
Special thanks to Donald, Rachel, Bryn, Ryan, and Trey Fowler who cared tirelessly for their Uncle in his
last months. Dr. Jag Heer and Dr. Harry Albers who not only were his physicians but his friends;
Nurses- Diane Murillo, Shannon Swope, Mikey McCambridge; Caregivers -Markisha Davis, and Andrea
Davis; Special friends -Chris and Hortencia Castro, Gary Horace who never missed a day watching over
Steve, and Best Friend John Putman.

Remembrances may be made to the Bakersfield Police Activities League or the donor’s favorite charity.