Thomas J. Bowles

Thomas J. Bowles, 89, of Dayton, died on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 at Miami Valley Hospital. He was born in Dayton on February 14, 1933 to parents, Jess and Helen (Waitzman) Bowles.

Tom had worked as a research chemist for NCR. He was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Korean war. Tom was always up for having fun and brought lots of laughter to everyone. He was an endless encourager who loved and accepted people for who they were. He was dedicated to the recovery community as a math tutor and was also a faithful blood donor.Tom had a great baritone voice and sang with St. Rita's music group and as a cantor. He enjoyed spending time on the water fishing as well as playing pool and chess. Having such a long list of accomplishments in his life, the one thing Tom could not figure out was how to stay retired, having, as he said, "flunked retirement 6 times." Tom could not stop giving and serving and was going for a 7th time coming out of retirement, still desiring to get a job up to his passing.

Tom is survived by his children, Beth (Ruth Heller) Bowles, Steve Bowles, Sue Bowles, Chris (Annette) Bowles & Scott Bowles; granddaughters, Ellyce Bowles, Amanda (Kevin) Sloneker & Sam Bowles; great granddaughters, Ashlynn & Olivia Sloneker; and numerous nieces, nephews, family & friends.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, Russell Bowles; brother, Jim Bowles; former wife, Dolores Bowles; and long-time companion, Dorothy Brown.

A celebration of Tom's life will be held in the spring.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.