Thomas Edward Bowser

Thomas Edward Bowser, 88, died Thursday, February 19, 2015 in Abilene, Texas. The son of Nell (Powell) and Roy P. Bowser, Thomas was born on February 9, 1927 in Kittanning, Pennsylvania. He first served in the Merchant Marines and re-enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for which he was an air traffic controller. From 1950 to 1986 he worked for Treanor Equipment Co. – Caterpillar Dealership, having been an officer. Thomas married Diana Ewing on January 12, 1951 in Visalia, California. In 1957, the couple moved from Visalia, CA to Abilene. Thomas had many interests and led a very active life. He was a member of the Abilene Bicycle and Running Club and the Colorado Trail Crew. He climbed Mount Rainier twice and treked mountains in India and in China. He was an avid snow skier and loved running in marathons and triathlons, having qualified for the Boston Marathon while he was in his 70’s. He loved to travel and especially enjoyed visiting Big Bend National Park. Thomas was also active in Friends of the Library in Abilene, assisting with the book sale every year. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Evan Bowser and Richard Bowser; and four sisters, Louise Mateer, Elizabeth Jellerson, Rosanna McGarvey, and Janet Hughes. Thomas is survived by his wife, Diana Bowser of Abilene; two daughters, Jill Jackson of Big Spring, Texas, and Sara Clark of Fort Worth; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A private family committal service will be held at a future date at the Texas State Veterans Cemetery at Abilene. Cremation arrangements are by The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Friends of the Library, 202 Cedar Street, Abilene, TX 79601 or the donor’s favorite charity.