Fowler was one of three players brought down from Scotland to Colchester United,[1] along with Sammy McLeod[2] and Bobby Hill[3] from Easthouses Lily, by manager Benny Fenton in 1955.
Although he left the club at the end of the 1965–66 season, Fowler returned briefly for three games during 1967–68, his final appearance occurring on 13 November 1967 at home to Barrow.
He then moved on to Eastern Gas and finally onto Severalls Athletic where he helped to win the East Essex League Knockout Cup against Stanway.
Playing against Layer Fox, Fowler collapsed and died, aged 42, leaving behind his wife Shirley, Son Scott and a daughter Karen.
The cup has since been renamed The Fowler Memorial cup in memory of John and Scott, who also passed away at the very young age of 42, Scott was a winner of the trophy having had a long playing career in the Colchester and Suffolk leagues and was held in high regard throughout the leagues, John's Grandson Stuart Fowler reached the Semi Finals unfortunately losing to Corecalona 1-0 .