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 3 rd 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!