Thomas James Bowen, age 88, entered into rest on Sunday, September 29, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. He entered into life on November 6, 1930 in Irving, Texas to Beadie Smalley and Thomas Bowen. T.J. was raised in Dallas, Texas and graduated from Crozier Tech High School in 1948.
He served his country as a United States Marine as a PFC for two years. He served honorably in the Korean War; his unit fought bravely in the famous battle of the Chosin Reservoir in the winter of 1950. As a result, he was awarded the Gold Star, the Purple Heart, and a Presidential Citation.
T.J. married Francella Hopkins in 1951 and the couple had three children. He worked as a computer operator at the Ford Motor Company.
In his spare time, T.J. enjoyed traveling with his family and friends, and attending school and sporting events of his children and grandchildren.
His family and friends will always remember him as a good-natured, fun-loving husband, dad, and Papaw.
He is preceded in death by his loving wife Fran.
T.J. is survived by his daughter Cathy Burns and husband Dennis of Allen, Texas, his son James Bowen and wife Cenia of Rockwall, Texas, and son Bill Bowen and wife Beki of Burnet, Texas; brother Bob Glass and wife Sandra of Ennis, Texas; six grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
