He was born 12 Sep 1906 (not 1907 as stated on his death registration) in Goodmayes, Essex. He was the only son of Richard Robert and Mary Faulkner Fowell. At the time of the 1911 census the family were at 91 Castleton Road, Redbridge, Essex. His father's occupation was coal salesman. In the 1939 Register, they are still at 91 Castleton Road. Richard junior is single and a professional musician.
He married Doris L Allen in Q2 1964. The marriage was registered in Ilford. Richard and Doris do not appear to have had any children. Presumably his wife went by her middle name.