Theodore R. Fowlkes Sr.

Theodore Roosevelt Fowlkes, Sr. of Baltimore, Maryland, transitioned on Wednesday, November 11, 2015 after a long illness with cancer. He was born on March 13, 1933 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late James and Viola (Ross) Fowlkes. He was the youngest of twelve children. He received his education in the Baltimore City School System. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the United States Army on April 27, 1953 and served as a paratrooper of the 82nd Airborn at Fort Bragg, NC. After leaving the Army, he began his career at Bethelehem Steel Shipyard and retired as a general foreman after 42 years of service. He was married to Bertha Mae LaPrade and out of their union three children were born: Theodore (Teddy) Roosevelt, Jr., Tyrone Clayton and Rosalind Dezelle. After Bertha's death in 1966, he married Marcella Stewart whom he divorced. In 1977, he married Paula Vass (Perryville, MD) and out of their union one child was born. Leslieann (Leslie) Fowlkes (Bear, DE) and a step daughter, Dawn Vass Hairston (Rev. Sam Hairston) (Evans, GA). Preceding him in death are his sisters, Lillian (Sis) McCoy (Gus), Viola (Singzy) Scott (Frederick), Mary Ellen, and Blanche Marion Peterkins; brothers, James Edward Jr., Sydney Thomas, Bernard (Buddy) Clarence, George Cornelius, and Emmett Porter Fowlkes. He attended church services at First Apostolic Faith Institutional regularly until his illness prevented him from doing so. He enjoyed painting and spending time with family and friends. He also enjoyed traveling, working, and being a member of the Freemasons. He loved watching football games on Sundays with his sons. Teddy was the best family man in the world. He was a generous benefactor to many adding moral and spiritual guidance. He leaves to mourn: a brother, John Thomas (Melva) of Raleigh, NC and a sister, Florence Etta Blackwell (Irvin) of Las Vegas, NE; his children, Teddy, Tyrone (Neema), Rosalind and Leslie Fowlkes; grandchildren, Donaye, Dante, Marlon, D'Airs, Sheila, David, Jackie, Shantel, Kelly, Kenneth; great-grandchildren, Decora, Danasia, Fhonaye, Joshuea, D'Aysia, Ka'Mauri, Kenneth, Cache', and Jache'; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tributes

Theodore R. Fowlkes Sr.

March 13, 1933 - November 11, 2015