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Incident
Deputy Fowler was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a man on a larceny warrant. The man initially fled in his vehicle with Deputy Fowler in pursuit. However, the man's car ran out of gas and was forced to stop. As Deputy Fowler approached the car he was shot three times. He was taken to a hospital where he died the following night.
The 22-year-old suspect was arrested two weeks later near Broken Arrow and charged with murder. On January 2, 1932, he was convicted of murder and sentenced to life. He died in prison on October 26, 1933.
Deputy Fowler had served with the Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office for nine months and was survived by his wife and eight children.
Survivors
Deputy Fowler had served with the Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office for nine months and was survived by his wife and eight children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Deputy Sheriff Fowler served with the Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office.
Thank you for your service to the Ada community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Deputy Sheriff Fowler.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 403 officers killed feloniously in OK, 69.2% of the 582 remembered there.
John is one of 15,742 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
John is one of 17,622 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1931, 8 officers in OK were killed feloniously, the 11th heaviest of 114 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 15.
In 1931, 221 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 5th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1931, 222 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 9th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 45. Of the 335 killed feloniously in OK whose age is recorded, half were between 34 and 49; the middle age was 42. John had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
John was 45. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 45. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. John had served 0.7 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.2% of these deaths in OK; June holds the most, 11.4%. Thursdays: 12.7%.
November holds 8.1% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Thursdays: 14%.
November holds 8.2% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 69.2% of all 582 deaths in OK, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 28% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 28-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Pontotoc County Sheriff's Office are honored on badge.nw.
