William Malcolm Fowlkes III went on to live with our Savior on July 22, 2020. He was born October 7, 1964 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was born to the late William Fowlkes Jr. and to Bettye Warnsley. Zeus as he was affectionately known, graduated from Paul Harding High school, Vincennes University (A.A. in Education), Ball State University (B.S. in Education), Ohio State University (M.A. in Education) and was working on his doctorate in Education. Soon after graduating from Ball State University, he married his “MO”, Monique Fowlkes in 2002. Malcolm was very active in the Phi Beta Sigma Incorporated and significantly expanded the chapter’s membership while attending Ball State University.
To Malcolm, love, life and laughter were his motto. Malcolm was a certified teacher and principal, administered and taught middle and high schoolers over the years. He was an avid coach and coached football for 10 years at Paul Harding High school. Malcolm directed much of his energy and passion towards teaching methodologies concerning value-based educational needs of disadvantaged challenged students. Malcolm was the owner of Fowlkes Favorites, a catering business in Columbus, Ohio. Malcolm relentlessly tried to capture moments from a life event and convert it into an emotion that he would later express in his work with his students. Reliance on God’s direction was involved in all of his work.
Malcolm confessed Christ at the age of six and was baptized at Pilgrim Missionary Baptist church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Malcolm loved life and there was never a challenge that he could not overcome–including death. He was driven, yet focused; critical, yet optimistic; ambitious, yet relational; organized and practical. Beneath the veneer, he was a very sensitive and passionate man who felt deeply about matters. He enjoyed listening to sermons and enjoyed a variety of music. During his transition from this life, heartfelt farewells were spoken with his family. Like life, Malcolm met death “without shame” and without wavering. Like his Savior, he paved the way for his family and friends to take responsibility for their lives and to realize that “life comes at you fast”. Malcolm is now a part of the cloud of witnesses in heaven—Therefore, since we were surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the pace that is set before us-Hebrews 12:1.
Malcolm was very involved in ministry from a young age. As a child, people referred to him as “little preacher” as he donned his suits while attending Pilgrim church with his mother. As a teenager, he sang in the male chorus at Pilgrim church. Malcolm served as a deacon with Mount Calvary Missionary church under the late Pastor Michael Nickleson. After moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1997, he maintained his involvement as honorarium member and deacon with Mount Calvary. In 1997, Malcolm joined Mount Herman Missionary Baptist church under the Bishop Dr. Donald J. Washington, where he served as a deacon for many years. He was involved in the Christian Education department and served as Principal of the charter school.
Malcolm is survived by his wife Monique Fowlkes of 18 years; mother, Bettye Warnsley; son, William “Gator” Malcolm Fowlkes, IV; and daughters Abeni Jones, Amber Hamilton, Micah Nickelson, Shay McCall, Quiana Summers; brothers, Todd Williams, Gordon (Chipper) Hardy, Jarrich Fowlkes, Nehemiah Fowlkes; sister, Nicole Springer Guyton. Malcolm was preceded in death by his father, William Fowlkes Jr (1990); grandfather, William Fowlkes Sr. (1990); grandmother, Fronie Fowlkes (2009); grandfather Bob Warnsley (1972); grandmother Abbie Warnsley (1970); son, James Campbell (2014); Treray Hamilton “TJ” (2007); sister Glennce (1977), brother, Glen Lee Bryant (1978); He is further survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, grand-children, god-children, cousins, fraternity brothers and a host of “day one” friends and associates.
Visitation 12:00pm and Funeral 1:00pm Saturday, August 15, 2020 at Mt. Hermon, 2283 Sunbury Road.
Ms. Betty, Gator, Jarrich and everyone that loves Malcolm, know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
To Monique Folkes and Family,
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband Malcolm. Malcolm was a kind man and showed us such hospitality when we came to visit my late sister at your home many years ago. Although Malcolm is gone from this earthly life he has been reunited with the Father in heaven, which is the ultimate desire of all who serve Christ. May God surround you with His peace and presence in the difficult days to come. Look to Him for comfort and He will provide. As long as Malcolm lives within your heart and in your fond memories he is always close. I will keep you and your family in prayer.
My Guy made me. My Guy opened up doors for my career. My Guy mentored me. I am thankful that the Lord allowed him to intersect with my journey. His impact will live on, because of what kind life he lived. I am sorry for the loss of such a friendly giant.
I will miss you so much Malcolm but I know God was pleased with your Life….Take your rest….To The Family may God hold you and comfort you through these days of sorrow.
My heart is heavy with the loss of my college friend and husband of my cousin.
Monique and the family of Mr. Fowlkes, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers! Mr. Fowlkes was an amazing man and I sincerely loved working by his side! His infectious smile and laugh will forever be a part of my heart!
Sorry for your loss from my mom Elaine and me
Praying for the Family of , William Malcolm Fowlkes ,Praying for y’all and with y’all, Praying for Comfort Strength and Peace in the time of sadness, May Cousin Wliiiam rest in the Master’s care.. Death takes the body, God takes the soul Our mind holds the memories Our heart keeps the Love. Our Faith let’s us know we will meet again Amen!!!!
Praying for continued strength during this season. Favor and Grace be unto you. Love you Family
Please know that Bro. & Sis McMorris care about you and your family. Sorry for your lost and may you find strength in knowing that “GOD IS”.
Our sincerest condolences to the family of Malcolm William Fowlkes, a gentle giant and truly good man. Our prayers for the continued strength and God’s comfort.
Bossman…
I am going to miss you. You know who you were to me so I say THANK YOU….
Rest Well “Sonny”, you deserve it…
Your Lil Bro
Scales “ReMarr”
I love u uncle and will forever miss you. I wish I could have had 1 more good ol meal.
Mr Fowlkes, “Boss” as I called him. I was “Deanie” left a video in my heart with his passing. A gentle giant He encourages me to move forward in my career, to believe in myself. We always said we had each others back. He led by example, and to know him was to love him. I will miss him so much. Rest well in the arms of you beloved Savior.
Family, know that we are with you and prayer daily for your peace. “Pops” as we called him, we’ll be greatly missed! Such an honorable Man. We love you Family!!
To Monique and Gator The Harvell Family wish to extend our heart felt sympathy to you and the family of Dec.Malcolm always a smile and some lame joke but serious when needed he will be missed.Just to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.Hold on Gator he is no longer suffering.Monique you helped him as a wife so remember to hold on to God’s hand.Respectfully the Harvell Family
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. As much as he was loved by friends, his family truly was his rock. Malcolm was a good man who was always quick with an encouraging word or aid for others. He will truly be missed.
I remember1803 Winter Street…sent many letters there…Zeus was the 1st person I met at VU…loved me some him! He also gave me my nickname…Mick the Chick! I’ll NEVER forget him and the love he showed me…he was my BROTHER from another mother…much love FOWLKES!
DEAR PRINCIPAL FOWLKES YOU WILL BE GREATLY MISSED WHEN I CALLED YOU TO PLACE AN ORDER FOR SOME SHEPHERD PIE FOR ME AND THE BOYS AND YOU SAID SURE LITTLE TO MY SURPRISE THAT WAS THE LAST TIME I WOULD HERE YOUR VOICE IM SO HAPPY AND SAD AT THE SAME TIME BUT WE KNOW THAT YOUR WITH THE FATHER AND WITH THAT IM HAPPY SAD BCUZ OF NO PHYSICAL TOUCH BUT WE SEND OUR LOVE ME AND THE BOYS TO YOU MONIQUE, GATOR, ABENI,AMARI,AND MOM FOWLKES &FAMILY .
My prayers are with you and your family.
My prayers are with you and the entire family as you mourn the loss of Deacon Fowlkes. He will be greatly missed.
To the Fowlkes family. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you. Malcolm was a good man better known as Zeus. I met Zeus at Ball State. He was my pledge dad when I joined Sigma Sweet heart. I later joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority which we are bound brothers and sisters. He will be missed. May you rest in heaven my brother.
Zee Phi and blue love forever.
To wife Monique and all other family members. I loved seeing Malcolm cooking skills on facebook. His love and passion for helping youth was so noticeable in his days at Village Woods Middle Scool. We praise God that he has entered in forever to be with our Lord. My prayers are with you for God to bring you comfort/strength in the days ahead.
Monique, you have my sincere condolences.
Malcolm, “Gator” my dear son, you were your Dad’s pride and joy from the day you were born. He was the best father any son could ask for. My heart hurts because your heart hurts. May the God of all comfort provide you both comfort during this difficult time
2 Corinthians 1:3,4
To the family of Zeus, I offer my sincere condolences. I pray for your continued strength during these difficult days ahead. Malcolm touched many children and adults during his lifetime. I met Malcolm at Ball State University and we shared a great love for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. He was my Big Brother and I will miss him deeply. He has been my friend for over 30 years. RIP Zeus my beloved friend!!!
Principal Fowlkes is a great man with a beautiful and wonderful family. I really admired his ability to push through some difficulties he faced. One of the last few days at his school, we had a heart to heart. Its a conversation I will never forget. He was incredibly uplifting, and really helped out with a few things we were dealing with. He truly lived and embodied the Lords word!
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family during this difficult time! He will truly be missed.
Thank you to the family for sharing this beautiful man of God with the community. His spirit of excellence and love for his students will go on.
From my family to yours, our deepest condolences.
Cynthia Frazier and family
So many people had their lives and faith influenced by Malcolm; myself included. Truly this was a life well lived, my friend. May God bless your family and friends!
We are so sorry to hear of Malcolm’s passing. He was a good man and will be missed. Just know he’s resting safely in the arm of Jesus! ~ Fort Wayne, IN
My Condolences to his Wife and Family Prayers Sent so sad to see him go , you are very much missed already my dearest friend. IN Till , I see you again Rest Well In Heaven Glory Be To God Much Love Always
Christine Pollard and Family