Lanier Fowler Lanier went home to be with Jesus on May 11, 2008. He was born on August 4, 1961 in Abilene, TX to Carolyn and Red Fowler. In September 1973 he and his family moved to Austin, TX. Lanier graduated from LBJ High school in 1980 then completed a plumber apprentice program acquiring a master plumbing license. Lanier started his own plumbing company Fowler's Plumbing in 1990 and served Austin and the surrounding area for the past 20 years. Lanier and Colleen began Lighthouse Full Gospel Ministries in October 1999 in their home. In September 2001 they moved to their building at 115 Oak Haven Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681 which is now Life Church. Lanier's happiest times were with his family and friends, preaching God's Word and giving to people. Lanier never met a stranger and never met anyone who did not love him. He had a heart of gold and a sweet and gentle spirit. We have lost a father, son, brother and a friend and he will be greatly missed.I can't say enough how much Lanier meant to our family. I first met Lanier when I was 11 years old and he came to my dad's church. Wow! What an impact he made on my life at that time, and in the years to come. He was the loudest, funnest, craziest person I've ever met, and it's so hard to imagine a world without Lanier in it. He was always having parties at his house, we would go over and swim and eat pizza and stay SO late. I remember well the July 4th parties, and how he would spend hundreds of dollars on fireworks and we would be out in the street till all hours shooting those things off, usually until the cops came by and told us to stop. It seems we spent a good portion of our Sunday nights at their house, in the pool, watching football, playing basketball outside with the kids, and riding bikes and scooters around the cul de sac. He always had some wild and crazy story to tell us about his adventures in plumbing, like the monkey jumping on his head at one service call!
But most of all, as a Pastor, he was always there for us. He came to my side when my mom died, stepped in, took over, helped me out so much, and was just there for me when I needed someone to talk to, and always talking about when we would see my mom in heaven again. I know they are partying together now! David especially had a soft spot in his heart for Lanier, when David was going through a lot, spiritually, Lanier never judged him, never thought less of him, or looked down on him, but was always there to encourage him, and lift him up, and I know it was through Lanier that David started going back to church, after many years absence. We truly felt like there was nothing he wouldn't do for us, and we felt the same for him.
Our hearts break for his beautiful mother, who is one of the most special and precious ladies I know. She has such strength, and I know she is rejoicing that her boy is in heaven, but it is so hard on those of us that are left behind. She knows that we are there for her as well, and we feel honored to be considered a part of their family.
There was a packed house today for the funeral, standing room only, and it was just a testament to the type of person that Lanier was, he truly never met a stranger, and considered everyone a friend. He wouldn't hesitate to grab your hand and pray for you, even in line at 7-11! The service today was beautiful, everyone did a great job, and as hard as it was to hold it together, I know Lanier really did want this to be a celebration of his life, and a joyful time to remember the crazy things about him, and have a good laugh, knowing he is finally where he always wanted to be!
3 comments:
Lanier Fowler..... I know heaven's got their hands full now,but at least it's a good handful. Him and Mom in one place???? Talk about never a dull moment, not that I think there's ever a dull moment in heaven. But I know his reward is great in Heaven because of the impact he made on earth. For the Believer, death is just the beginning; graduation time! "Where, o death, is your victory?" Jesus took it! The fact remains is, Lanier Fowler, you will be missed! Thanks for the inspiration you left us with, and the boldness, which is Eternal because it's from God! Just about the same time I was blessed with a new life here on earth, you were starting a new life in Heaven. I'm just sorry I never got to say goodbye and how much we all love you. Even though I was gone so many years on a search for myself, you have always had an important part of my life. This flesh limits us to what we can do and where we can go, to an extent(although all things are possible through Christ) Lanier can be closer to us now than he ever was on this earth. He's in our hearts right next to Jesus!!!
Lanier is one of the craziest, kindest hearted and open minded souls that I have had the pleasure of being a friend of. We met during our time at LBJ high school and had many great times together growing up. God bless and I'll see you when the time is right brother.
Lanier Fowler is as real as it gets. I came to his church in 2003 while my parents were going there. My dad was right he was loud, flashy, and overflowing with the Spirit. I loved how he would change direction in mid sentence. "Yes Lord I will..I love you Holy Spirit now turn to the book of..." One time he greeted me with a high five so hard that my hand throbbed through the service! He seemed to always be available. He answered the phone at 4:30am when I called for help. Even though it was our dog that died he didn't laugh at me or brush me off, he took the time to console me. What pastor would do that! Through his examples Lanier taught me how to get up real early and pray, how to be bold when praying for others and to give away whatever God told me to even if it was something I loved. He really stirred up the Lord in me, and I'm so grateful for that!
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