LaSalle Parish awoke to sad news Saturday, November 4, as word quickly spread of the death of longtime educator, coach and recently re-elected La-Salle Parish Police Juror, Robert “June” Fowler.

Fowler, 74, died in his sleep at his home sometime Friday night or Saturday morning, according to reports.

His most recent venture has included public service as the District 5 member of the LaSalle Parish Police Jury. He was first elected to the position in 2019 when he led a field of four vying for the position with 42% in the primary. During the runoff, he received 66% of the vote.

Just three weeks prior to his death, Fowler faced opposition for his seat on October 14 and his popularity with voters saw him win re-election easily, garnering 79% of the total vote.

He had served as the Jury’s President and Vice-President prior to his death.

He is best known for his kind and compassionate presence in the LaSalle Parish School System, where he served as a teacher, coach and mentor to thousands of students at both Jena High and LaSalle High throughout the years.

Though he had long since retired from education and coaching, he was a constant presence at various school and high school sporting events and was a source of wisdom for area coaches.

Fowler’s Facebook page has been filled with many offering their condolences and a review of that page shows the impact he had on so many of the students and players he taught and coached during his career.

Jena High School Head Coach Jay Roark noted that LaSalle Parish lost a true legend with the passing of Fowler.

“Coach June Fowler is going to be missed by Jena, Louisiana and Jena High School,” he wrote. “Though he had been retired many years, he rarely missed a Giant sporting event. He was a great mentor and had a positive impact on countless young people and Jena Giant Athletics. I will miss his visits at the field house and post game texts. Such a kind man.”

At Monday morning’s meeting of the Jena Town Council, Alderman Lester Francis asked the Council and those attending for a moment of silent prayer for the Fowler family.

“We have lost one of the greatest Police Jurors we’ve every had with the death of June Fowler,” Francis said prior to the prayer. “He was one of the greatest educators, coaches and friends this town has known. We’ve lost a great friend and we want to pray for his family.”

Jena Mayor LaDawn Edwards noted that she and many others were devastated and shocked at the news of his death Saturday.

“He was a great asset to this parish and this town,” she said. “He was a true gentleman and he loved his family. There are a lot of children that don’t have a mentor or parents in their lives and he mentored so many of them during his years. To me, he was a legend.”

In perhaps true June Fowler fashion, on October 24 he shared a quote from Ed Mylett that offers comfort to many in the parish that are saddened by the shocking news of his death. The quote said: “Strength grows in the moments when you think you can’t go on but you keep going anyway.”

Fowler was a 1966 graduate of Jena High School and later continued his education at the University of Louisiana at Monroe.

He is survived by his wife, Johonna, and three sons, Richie, Matt and Billy, with numerous grandchildren.

Obituary information was not available as of press time Monday but will be featured in next week’s issue.

The family notes that a memorial service will be held at a later date and information will be posted via social media should the service be held before next week’s newspaper.