Obituary for Thomas David Dowell
Thomas David Dowell, age 58, cherished husband for almost 30 years of Jennifer Leigh Dowell, (nee Freeman). Loving Father of Timothy Lloyd, Anthony Blake, Nicholas Ryan, Natalie Grace and Thomas Lee. Proud (soon-to-be) Grandfather of one. Dear brother to siblings Kathleen (Larry) Viernum, James Dowell, Sharon (Dennis) Cleary and to the late Dennis Dowell, Theresa (Mike) Kacmar, Margaret ‘Peggy’ Dowell and Daniel Dowell. Kind uncle to two generations of nieces and nephews. Beloved son of the late, James Timothy ‘Captain Tim’ Dowell and the late Nancy Jean, (nee Lucas).
Tom Dowell was an exceptional man… he was hardworking and always joyful! He will be remembered for his big smile and his even bigger, caring and thoughtful heart. His #1 priority was providing for his wife, Jennifer and their five remarkable children, Timothy, Anthony, Nicholas, Natalie and Thomas. He did this every minute of every day and he was proud to do it. His Father-in-law, Don and his Mother-in-law, Donna were pleased he took such great care of their daughter and grandchildren. Tom also got along very well and had many laughs at family gatherings with all of Jennifer’s siblings… Steve, Randy (Marylou), Kelly, (late) Scott and Valerie (Ray). He also adored his family pets, including their cat, Nippert, as well as, Murphy and Ivy, his two dogs that he didn’t hesitate to spoil!
Tom’s work ethic was immaculate. He was often used as an example from management to prove how to do the job right! Tom was admired by many co-workers at the few jobs he’s had since he started working as a teenager in the early 80’s, including approximately 12years at Long John Silver’s Seafood Shoppe (where he met Jennifer in 1988), 20 years at Andrew Corporation in Orland Park and ending with his current place of employment, almost 8years at Alro Steel in Bolingbrook. He was even offered management positions there, but he declined because he told his family he wanted to stay loyal to his co-workers and he did not want any of them to think that he felt as though he was ‘above’ them.
Tom and Jennifer both came from large families. They bonded over that topic and both knew that they wanted many children together. Tom’s greatest joy was being a very involved Father and husband and would support and / or partake in EVERY activity his family showed interest in, whether that be on the sidelines taking pictures during various sports games, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, cheerleading and, of course, baseball, where Tom even coached… to encouraging his children’s participation in scouts, music, art and drama, to name a few! He was also a great husband supporting all (or most) of Jennifer’s crazy business ventures, especially those ideas that would have them working with youth, as he truly wanted the best for all children. He was very silly and playful, so naturally, every child he interacted with just loved ‘Mr. Tom’!
Some highlights of his years as the ‘cool’ Dad came in the form of dozens of birthday parties for his children where Tom was always entertaining, as well as teaching his three older sons (Tim, Anthony and Nic) how to drive and precious time spent on special dates to the Daddy Daughter Dances with his favorite Princess (Natalie) and teaching her how a true gentlemen should treat a lady and watching funny kids tv shows and movies with his littlest buddy (Thomas).
He was very much a ‘holiday guy’! He enjoyed putting up outdoor decorations for every holiday and it always made him feel good when he received what seemed like endless compliments from family, neighbors and strangers, alike. He cooked for EVERY occasion… Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving. He even cooked on his own birthday and on Father’s Day! He could always be found in the kitchen preparing something delicious, in order to ensure his family, extended family members and his children’s friends that would visit, would have full bellies and wonderful memories! His absolute favorite holidays were the gift-giving times of Christmas, shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July and he ESPECIALLY loved St. Patrick’s Day when he celebrated his Irish heritage by cooking corned beef and cabbage, wearing green beaded necklaces and big, orange beards and trying to make people laugh while attempting his best Irish accent while saying, ‘Top of the mornin’ to ya, lad’ and singing ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’, ‘The Unicorn Song’ and many, many, many, many others!
Tom was the greatest handyman (and often talked about starting a side hustle business repairing window screens around town). He took impeccable care of the family home, both inside and out, including mowing the lawn, shoveling snow and planting beautiful flowers every Spring. From his Father and brother Danny, he learned and became his family’s mechanic and repaired EVERY problem, on EVERY car that he and his family has EVER owned. He also loved grilling in the backyard in the Summertime and having ‘bags’ tournaments with his family, jumping in the pool or just chilling with a Guinness or a Miller Lite by the firepit, while listening to his favorite music… 70’s Classic Rock!
He loved… drinking coffee, bike riding, eating pizza, steak and homemade split pea soup, fixing computers, participating in a family Fantasy Football League and watching the Chicago Bears, creating obnoxious passwords, making up random words and saying he could write his own dictionary, wishing he could one day visit Ireland, playing the poker and slot machines, being Catholic, fishing on the lake, discussing politics, going to music festivals and his latest form of entertainment… watching and sending his family funny and ridiculous Tik Tok videos!
First and foremost, Tom was a family man that cherished time with those he loved. He was a wonderful son to Nancy and Captain Tim, a generous husband, loving Father, terrific big brother to his closest sibling, Sharon and an awesome guy to his childhood best friend, Marty… and we all know he would have been the absolute BEST Grandfather to all of his future Grandchildren. He was particularly excited to meeting his FIRST Grandchild, due to arrive in the Spring. When he learned he was going to be a Grandpa… oh, the smile on his face, the joy in his heart and pride for his son (soon to be a Father, himself), was simply amazing!
Tom made a significant impact on so many people in his short 58 years on earth and his family feels so blessed that they were able to have him in their lives! Their hearts are completely shattered and they will continue to shed tears, yet they find comfort in knowing he’s in Heaven and wrapped in God’s loving arms for all of eternity. As we read in scripture, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
Tom will be dearly missed by all, but shall be remembered for his beautiful smile, character, thoughtfulness, provisions for his family, helpfulness for his friends and co-workers and, of course, for having FUN! He’s surely looking down upon us all and likely overwhelmed with pure happiness from EVERYONE that has and will pay their respects in some manner, including those that have and will shower his devoted family with love and prayers. He is undoubtedly pleased and kindly thanks you from the bottom of his loving heart. Remember, Tom never liked being in the spotlight… but, we all know that he certainly deserved to be in it!
It's incredibly hard to say goodbye to someone you truly love with all of your heart. But, until we meet again… PLEASE know how very much WE LOVE YOU, Tom Dowell – aka ‘Big Dealz’!
Below is a photo tribute celebrating Tom's life.
Visitation on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 3 - 8 pm with the Funeral Service on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 10:00 am at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th / Wheeler Drive & Harlem Avenue) Orland Park, IL. Live stream of the funeral service will be available. Please visit Tom's obituary on colonial chapel's website to view the live stream. Interment Orland Memorial Park Cemetery, Orland Park, IL (153rd Street and West Avenue). Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400
Below is a video recording of Tom's Funeral Service held on December 28, 2022 at 10:00AM CST.
Tom Dowell was an exceptional man… he was hardworking and always joyful! He will be remembered for his big smile and his even bigger, caring and thoughtful heart. His #1 priority was providing for his wife, Jennifer and their five remarkable children, Timothy, Anthony, Nicholas, Natalie and Thomas. He did this every minute of every day and he was proud to do it. His Father-in-law, Don and his Mother-in-law, Donna were pleased he took such great care of their daughter and grandchildren. Tom also got along very well and had many laughs at family gatherings with all of Jennifer’s siblings… Steve, Randy (Marylou), Kelly, (late) Scott and Valerie (Ray). He also adored his family pets, including their cat, Nippert, as well as, Murphy and Ivy, his two dogs that he didn’t hesitate to spoil!
Tom’s work ethic was immaculate. He was often used as an example from management to prove how to do the job right! Tom was admired by many co-workers at the few jobs he’s had since he started working as a teenager in the early 80’s, including approximately 12years at Long John Silver’s Seafood Shoppe (where he met Jennifer in 1988), 20 years at Andrew Corporation in Orland Park and ending with his current place of employment, almost 8years at Alro Steel in Bolingbrook. He was even offered management positions there, but he declined because he told his family he wanted to stay loyal to his co-workers and he did not want any of them to think that he felt as though he was ‘above’ them.
Tom and Jennifer both came from large families. They bonded over that topic and both knew that they wanted many children together. Tom’s greatest joy was being a very involved Father and husband and would support and / or partake in EVERY activity his family showed interest in, whether that be on the sidelines taking pictures during various sports games, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, cheerleading and, of course, baseball, where Tom even coached… to encouraging his children’s participation in scouts, music, art and drama, to name a few! He was also a great husband supporting all (or most) of Jennifer’s crazy business ventures, especially those ideas that would have them working with youth, as he truly wanted the best for all children. He was very silly and playful, so naturally, every child he interacted with just loved ‘Mr. Tom’!
Some highlights of his years as the ‘cool’ Dad came in the form of dozens of birthday parties for his children where Tom was always entertaining, as well as teaching his three older sons (Tim, Anthony and Nic) how to drive and precious time spent on special dates to the Daddy Daughter Dances with his favorite Princess (Natalie) and teaching her how a true gentlemen should treat a lady and watching funny kids tv shows and movies with his littlest buddy (Thomas).
He was very much a ‘holiday guy’! He enjoyed putting up outdoor decorations for every holiday and it always made him feel good when he received what seemed like endless compliments from family, neighbors and strangers, alike. He cooked for EVERY occasion… Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving. He even cooked on his own birthday and on Father’s Day! He could always be found in the kitchen preparing something delicious, in order to ensure his family, extended family members and his children’s friends that would visit, would have full bellies and wonderful memories! His absolute favorite holidays were the gift-giving times of Christmas, shooting off fireworks on the 4th of July and he ESPECIALLY loved St. Patrick’s Day when he celebrated his Irish heritage by cooking corned beef and cabbage, wearing green beaded necklaces and big, orange beards and trying to make people laugh while attempting his best Irish accent while saying, ‘Top of the mornin’ to ya, lad’ and singing ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’, ‘The Unicorn Song’ and many, many, many, many others!
Tom was the greatest handyman (and often talked about starting a side hustle business repairing window screens around town). He took impeccable care of the family home, both inside and out, including mowing the lawn, shoveling snow and planting beautiful flowers every Spring. From his Father and brother Danny, he learned and became his family’s mechanic and repaired EVERY problem, on EVERY car that he and his family has EVER owned. He also loved grilling in the backyard in the Summertime and having ‘bags’ tournaments with his family, jumping in the pool or just chilling with a Guinness or a Miller Lite by the firepit, while listening to his favorite music… 70’s Classic Rock!
He loved… drinking coffee, bike riding, eating pizza, steak and homemade split pea soup, fixing computers, participating in a family Fantasy Football League and watching the Chicago Bears, creating obnoxious passwords, making up random words and saying he could write his own dictionary, wishing he could one day visit Ireland, playing the poker and slot machines, being Catholic, fishing on the lake, discussing politics, going to music festivals and his latest form of entertainment… watching and sending his family funny and ridiculous Tik Tok videos!
First and foremost, Tom was a family man that cherished time with those he loved. He was a wonderful son to Nancy and Captain Tim, a generous husband, loving Father, terrific big brother to his closest sibling, Sharon and an awesome guy to his childhood best friend, Marty… and we all know he would have been the absolute BEST Grandfather to all of his future Grandchildren. He was particularly excited to meeting his FIRST Grandchild, due to arrive in the Spring. When he learned he was going to be a Grandpa… oh, the smile on his face, the joy in his heart and pride for his son (soon to be a Father, himself), was simply amazing!
Tom made a significant impact on so many people in his short 58 years on earth and his family feels so blessed that they were able to have him in their lives! Their hearts are completely shattered and they will continue to shed tears, yet they find comfort in knowing he’s in Heaven and wrapped in God’s loving arms for all of eternity. As we read in scripture, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." -Matthew 11:28
Tom will be dearly missed by all, but shall be remembered for his beautiful smile, character, thoughtfulness, provisions for his family, helpfulness for his friends and co-workers and, of course, for having FUN! He’s surely looking down upon us all and likely overwhelmed with pure happiness from EVERYONE that has and will pay their respects in some manner, including those that have and will shower his devoted family with love and prayers. He is undoubtedly pleased and kindly thanks you from the bottom of his loving heart. Remember, Tom never liked being in the spotlight… but, we all know that he certainly deserved to be in it!
It's incredibly hard to say goodbye to someone you truly love with all of your heart. But, until we meet again… PLEASE know how very much WE LOVE YOU, Tom Dowell – aka ‘Big Dealz’!
Below is a photo tribute celebrating Tom's life.
Visitation on Tuesday, December 27, 2022 from 3 - 8 pm with the Funeral Service on Wednesday, December 28, 2022 at 10:00 am at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th / Wheeler Drive & Harlem Avenue) Orland Park, IL. Live stream of the funeral service will be available. Please visit Tom's obituary on colonial chapel's website to view the live stream. Interment Orland Memorial Park Cemetery, Orland Park, IL (153rd Street and West Avenue). Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400
Below is a video recording of Tom's Funeral Service held on December 28, 2022 at 10:00AM CST.