Thomas Addison Bowser- Life Story
Born in Wilmette, Evanston Illinois, Cook County on Dec 20, 1945.
To Arda Crawford Bowser and Alice May Sisson
He went on to heaven on Good Friday, April 19, 2019.
He is survived by his wife Jeanne Gabrielle Bowser of 20 years, sons Alexander and Kenton Bowser, step daughter, Renee Gabrielle Tooley, brothers, Bob Bowser, Corbin Wyant, and sisters Ann Murphy and Marilyn Siff.
He is preceded in death by brother Nevin Bowser; mother Alice May Sisson; and dad Arda Crawford Bowser.
Tom moved to Orlando Florida when he was 2 years old. The house was on Lake Fredrica.
He had a pet alligator named Oscar. Tom and his mom would give Oscar raw chicken and swim in Lake Fredrica. He was a loner when he was growing up and pretty much kept to himself in East Orlando. Tom did not have many friends at all, but enjoyed the lake, his pet alligator, and the orange groves next to his house.
Tom went to Junior College here in Orlando. He was seeking God for his life and after taking a world religion class in Junior College, he left, realizing the professor was more lost than he was. Shortly after, the Presbyterian denomination stated that Tom fit the profile of a Presbyterian clergy. But God had other plans. As Tom continued to seek the Lord for his life, God said ministry was where He wanted him. He became a single parent and raised his 2 boys. Looking for a home church, he started attending Faith Creation Fellowship, with Tom Copeland as the Pastor. He was involved in the Sound/Media ministry, always a blessing to the body of Christ. His boys were always there with him while doing ministry. Tom got to pray with Pastor Tom Copeland for Velvet, a 26 year old lady that had a stroke. They went to the hospital, laid hands on her, and she walked out of the hospital a few days later, completely healed. He met Nathan Mercado, a missionary and evangelist at Faith Creation, and they became good friends. Tom gave Nathan a car and paid his insurance. He went on over 20 missionary trips with Nathan, helping to organize crusades, visiting the poor, preached in churches. He had a heart of compassion reaching out to the poor, a true missionary. He helped sponsor people to go on mission trips. He laid hands on the sick and saw many miracles, like blind eyes opening, people’s feet growing out and tumors shrinking in front of his eyes. Tom had a passion for photography. He took many pictures on the mission field and in US as well.
Tom also had an administrative gift to help those in the 5- fold ministry.
He attended Victory Bible Institute in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1995 & 1996. Tom came back to Apopka and began attending Word of Life Church. He helped serve in the children’s department for special events. Tom shared the Healing School Videos by Charles & Frances Hunter. Several people were healed at Word of Life Church watching those videos.
There was a young woman who had 2 children, but desired one more. Tom prayed for her to get pregnant. Her name was Kim Portalatin and that baby was Keily.
Tom’s heart of compassion led him to take pictures of children in 3rd world nations, while they received gift packets with essential school supplies, toothpaste and toothbrush.
Tom also helped take pictures at Good News Kids Club and set up video and sound for us to show kids movies.
He lifted lots of totes and always prayed for Kids Club to be a success. He would help the poor in our community if they needed help by giving them rides if it was raining and taking them to church. He always showed the love of Jesus to his family, and others God would put in his path. Tom was a blessing to his longtime boss Rosa Lee Angle. He sold portrait appointments and introduced people to Jesus along the way for over 10 years or more. He also had his own insurance business in Apopka when the boys were young.
Tom was blessed to have gone to Puerto Rico to help renowned evangelist Dr. T. L. Osborn on his last crusade. He took pictures. That was his passion for many years, along with his other gifts. Tom and I liked to watch movies together, but one of his favorites was Amazing Grace.
Tom loved his children and was looking forward to grandchildren. I guess he will have to enjoy his grandchildren in heaven. He also loved to tell jokes, which his wife seldom got, but as they grew together, she began to get them. Tom always made Jeanne laugh. He had a wonderful sense of humor and everyone around him was blessed. One of his famous sayings was love, joy, and peace in the Holy Ghost!
Service
Memorial Service
Word of Life Church
1853 Vick Rd, Apopka, FL 32712
7:00pm
Sherry Hreha says
My condolences to you Jeanne and Tom’s Family. I am so sorry for your loss. As I read his obituary , I realized just what an extraordinary man he was. Taking care of his two sons and having a heart for the poor. And doing all the other missionary- type activities that he was involved in. He is in the presence of Jesus now. And we will all see him one day. That is the great hope of the Gospel. Praise God for the Gospel! The Lord will Comfort all of us. Praying that for you Jeanne and the whole family. God bless. And I love you.
Jeanne Gabrielle Bowser says
Thank you Sherry ❤️
Rebecca Cantisani - Marquez says
Sister Jeanne,
Our deepest sympathies and condolences to you and the family. Sending you love and prayers for comfort. We are deeply sorry for the loss of your dearest husband Tom but take comfort in knowing he is with Our Lord. He was a wonderful man and true servant of God.
In our thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca & Joshua
(Leslie’s Sister and brother)
Jeanne Gabrielle Bowser says
Thank you Rebecca.????
Maria Mercado says
We were Blessed to know Tom Bowser here on earth. He had a heart for the Missions field and compassion for the people. Tom will be missed by our family.
Our family meet Tom Bowser and his sons about. 30 years ago when our children were young. Through the years he supported our family many times and our Ministry.
We pray peace and the comfort of God be over his wonderful wife Jeanie and Alex , Kent and Renée. Love you!
Jeanne Gabrielle Bowser says
Thank you Maria❤️
Clarissa mercado says
????Tom was Amazing And always could make you laugh…What a blessing to have his spirit of joy around in my life since I was a child the mission trips and church’s and prayer services have set a foundation in my life forever you both have given me so much together n…I still remember the time he met the love of his life Jeanne How happy he was from that moment on ..In my eyes I couldn’t imagine a more amazing powerful couple for God.Just 2 weeks ago you both prayed for my boys and I left there thinking”wow they are such an amazing couple of God”…so lucky to have found one another ….I know Tom is in heaven free from all pain and we will see him again…Jeanne my prayers go out for you every day I couldn’t imagine your pain loosing your soul mate..love you and thank you for being with my family all these years and you and Tom and your beautiful life’s that you have shared ..truly the purest hearts of Gold..May God be with you in these times…
Jeanne Gabrielle Bowser says
Thank you Clarissa❤️
Janin Santa says
I’m glad to have met Mr. Bowser a few times at the River. Your eyes always lit up when he came to support you.
He was a very cheerful, considerate man. The fire of God in him could not be his, for it danced from him.
I’m so sorry that this came so suddenly. You were shocked and now I’m shocked And saddened. And I know I can’t be there in person to offer you comfort, but I pray the Holy Spirit strengthens you with hope and resolve to accomplish these few days hurdles.
The same Holy Spirit that comforts you knows where Mr. Bowser is; in the Lord’s own throne room, taking walks with the Lord on the streets made of gold.
Janin Santa says
His=hid,
Jeanne Gabrielle Bowser says
Thank you Janine❤️
Anthony & Sabrina Wesa says
My heart goes out to you Pastor Jeanne but I know this isn’t really a time of loss for you because you will see Tom again and the Holy Spirit has been comforting you and guiding you every step of the way. I have known you since my kids started good news Kids Club when my daughter Toni was five years old and my son Iam was three years old and I would come and help volunteer. I loved being a part of that. My daughter Toni who will be 20 years old next month received the gift of speaking in tongues when you all laid hands on her when she was around six or seven years old I believe and my husband was there to witness it. You all have been such a blessing to me and my family from day one. We love you and are praying for you. Know that God is there for you and he will never leave you and you will see your Thomas again.
Jeanne Gabrielle Bowser says
Thank you Sabrina
Mike and Lorie Toole says
He will truly be missed. We was a wonderful caring neighbor.
Leslie McNulty says
Tom was such a great blessing! He had a wonderful heart for winning souls. He used his gifts to serve in so many ways! His kind, calm presence was always welcome. Gala says, he ALWAYS was helpful in everything he did! He assisted us in so many ways with the photography and videography.
We at Christian Adventures will miss him!
He’s been a wonderful friend and partner.
Leslie, Kevin and the International team!
Jeanne Gabrielle Bowser says
Thank you Leslie and team.
Jacqueline Day says
I knew Tom and the boys many years ago. We lost touch as people do. I just found out about his passing. I live in Oregon now and news from Florida does not always get to me right away.
I as m not surprised that he accomplished so much and I am glad he found love again.
I know where he is and look forward to seeing my friend again in Heaven.
Jack Bowser says
I just saw this for the first time and am so glad I am able to read about Tom’s life.
I visited Arda in 1956 when I was 18. Oscar was nowhere to be fiund during my visit.
Please accept my very tardy condolances.
I live here in the Chicago area and was always in touch wiith Nevin.
Nev got me my first job here at the Bank where he worked when I came to Chicago after visiting Arda in 1956.