Thomas B. Bowling, Sr.

Thomas B. Bowling, Sr. passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, March 25, 2021.  He was 88 years old.

He was the beloved husband of Carole Ann Bowling {nee. Saywer}; father of Virginia Shields (Kevin), Thomas Bowling, Jr. (Michele Genereux) and Matthew Bowling (Cyndy Flynn); grandfather of Michael Shields Barreda (Christina Barreda), David Shields (Tana Goar), Stella Bowling and Matthew Bowling; and great-grandfather to Opal Barreda.  He was predeceased by his brothers, James Chandler Bowling and Van Dorn Bowling, Jr.

Born in Maysville, Kentucky, Tom was the son of Van Dorn Bowling and Belinda Johnson Bowling and was raised in Paducah and Louisville.  A graduate of Male High School in Louisville, he was a Lambda Chi Alpha at University of Louisville.  Tom served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and attained the rank of Major.

One of Tom’s achievements was passing all the actuarial exams and becoming an actuary.  He worked for several firms during his life and was a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries (FSA).  He finished his career as the Chief Actuary for the State of New Mexico for Life and Health Insurance.

Tom’s faith was also important to him.  He became an Episcopalian after his marriage and was a faithful parishioner wherever he lived, serving on vestries and diocesan committees, acting as an usher, a lector, a eucharistic minister and often as a member of the choir.  He had a lovely baritone voice.  Tom graduated from the Education of Ministry (EfM) program through the University of the South’s Theology School and served as mentor for many years.

Tom and Carole had 62 years happily married years together.  She was the love of his life.  Together they lived abroad and around the United States, and later traveled extensively around the world with numerous adventures.

Tom Bowling was a caring, kind, soft-spoken gentleman who had a strong work ethic and a great sense of humor.  If he suddenly became silent during a conversation, a terrible pun was surely going to be delivered shortly, with a twinkle in his eye.  Tom will be greatly missed by all who loved him and those who were privileged to know him.

Service will be private.

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