Essex Fowlks, IV's Obituary
Essex was a loving husband and father. He lived his life for his family which was evident in every endeavor he undertook; family and faith were his foundation.
Essex was born on December 16, 1932 in Texarkana, AR to Essex Fowlks III and Miller B. Bryant-Fowlks. He was raised in Terrell, TX by his loving parents and Grandmother, Eliza Bryant. Essex graduated as valedictorian of his Burnett High School class and went on to attend Prairie View A & M majoring in History and as a member of the ROTC program. Essex once again graduated as valedictorian. In addition to leaving college with a commission as a 2nd Lt. in the US Army; Essex also left with the love of his life, having married Virginia on Campus the morning of graduation.
Essex was proud of his military service and while in the Army; was assigned to an infantry battalion as an infantry officer immediately after the signing of the Armistice Agreement which ended the Korean Conflict. Lt. Fowlks was responsible for commanding and training an infantry platoon in advanced infantry skills, positioning and operating mortar as well as artillery forward observers along the DMZ.
Once he returned stateside, he retired from military service but remained an active reservist. At that time he accepted a position teaching High School in Temple TX. Essex and Virginia moved to Sacramento in 1960 where he accepted a position as a Management Systems Analyst at McClellan AFB and where Essex and Virginia joined Allen Chapel AME family where over the years he was a faithful member of the Church Board and Willing Workers.
Essex matriculated and graduated with a MA in public policy from Sacramento State College. Through the years he held various community roles such as School Board Member in the Del Paso Heights School District. Essex also taught extension courses for Golden Gate University in Public Policy.
Essex could be found on daily basis engaging with his family in person and over the phone or in person providing much sought after family and career advice as well as discussing politics. He loved technology and was always on the bleeding edge of anything new (Internet, huge satellite dish in the front yard, scary microwave oven, etc…) Essex and Virginia were the proud parents of three boys, Essex V, Larry, Roland, and one girl, Sonja. At family gatherings he rivaled Virginia in the kitchen ensuring meals we’d not soon forget. Essex was very close to his brothers and sisters as well who he leaves to mourn him. Dr. Edison R. Fowlks (Corinne), Joyce Fort, Annie Collins and Stanley Fowlks.
Essex departed this life on January 17, 2019 in Sacramento, California, six days after his beloved Virginia. He leaves to cherish his memory their four children and their families: Essex V and Anne Fowlks of Boxborough, Massachusetts; Larry and Jan Fowlks of Sacramento, California; Sonja and Steven McIntosh of Portland, Oregon; Roland and Christina Fowlks of Fremont, California. Nine grandchildren: Wesley Fowlks, Kirsten Fowlks, Cedric Fowlks, Morgan Fowlks, Julian McIntosh, Kendall McIntosh, Melissa Fowlks, Esther Fowlks and Nicholas Fowlks. Essex was blessed with two Great Grandchildren, Essex VI and Ryan Patrick Fowlks, as well as a host of loving family and friends. Dad will be forever missed and loved by all his family and friends, and remembered as a man who always put his faith and family first . We love you, Dad! We know you’re in Heaven with Mom and we’ll carry both of you in our hearts forever.
Visitation is Sunday, January 20, 2019 from 3pm to 6pm at Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes, 4701 Marysville Blvd. Sacramento, CA.
A funeral service celebrating his life will be held on Monday, January 21, 2019, at 11am at Allen Chapel AME Church, 1239 Grand Ave, Sacramento, CA.
Interment will be at the Sunset Lawn Chapel of the Chimes.
What’s your fondest memory of Essex?
What’s a lesson you learned from Essex?
Share a story where Essex's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Essex you’ll never forget.
How did Essex make you smile?