Thomas Bowman

Sadly, on October 31, 2004 a young man, 'high' on drugs, forced his way into Tom's residence, shot and killed him. Tom knew the Lord, so we know where he is. He was born June 6, 1956 in Gary, Indiana, son of Tom Henry and Sharon Jane (Brunt) Bowman. They lived in Cedar Lake, Indiana until his parents divorced in 1967 and he, his mother and siblings moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan. Tom had a learning disability and attended a number of schools before getting his GED. He then took a few classes at KVCC. Tom did not have an easy life; he tried and failed a number of business ventures, even serving jail time for bad check charges. Tom was married in 1993, and divorced a few years later. About 7 years ago, he started his small, successful painting contractor business, specializing in historical buildings in the downtown Kalamazoo area. He loved people, enjoyed helping others and always had a smile. He was active in the Vine Neighborhood Association and the Walnut Street Watch. He wanted to do his part to help keep the community safe. In 1971 his mother met the man whom Tom would consider his 'dad.' Bob Hilton was widowed with 4 children and Tom became the oldest of 9. His beloved 'Pops' died in 2003. Tom is survived by his mother, Sharon Hilton of Vicksburg; 3 brothers, Kenneth (Lucia) Bowman of Phoenix, AZ, Michael (Cathy) Bowman of Lawrence, and Ed (Sherry) Thompson of Paw Paw; 5 sisters, Debbie Lawrence of Kalamazoo, Rea (Ted) Abajian of Battle Creek, Colleen (Randy) Ayres of Gobles, Terrie Hilton of Nottawa, and Darlene (Rick) Curtis of Three Rivers; many nieces and nephews; and Tom H. Bowman of Frankfort, KY. In accordance with his wishes cremation has taken place. Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Thursday afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 S. Burdick St. Memorial services will be held at 12 Noon on Friday at the Kalamazoo Salvation Army Chapel, 1700 S. Burdick Street, with Pastor C. Lennart Polson officiating. His remains will be taken to Chapel Lawn Cemetery in Scherer-ville, IN for interment with his maternal grandparents. As an expression of sympathy, the family is requesting donations be made to the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission.