GOWEY, Thomas Herman

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ June 1, 2009 Thomas Herman Gowey, 81, died Thursday, May 28, 2009, in Springerville. He was born Nov. 14, 1927, in Phoenix to Ralph Waldo Gowey and Margaretha May Bailey. Thomas served in the U.S. Marine Corps from Nov. 26, 1945 to Nov. 25, 1948. He re-enlisted June 1, 1951, to March 16, 1953. Thomas received the China Service and WWII Victory and Korean Staff Sergeant Service medals and was a listed Marine sharpshooter. He was a liaison expediter for Allied Signal/Honeywell, retiring Oct. 1, 1992. Throughout his life he drove cars, raced flat track motorcycles, participated in all types of rodeo events, fished and hunted. As a devout Catholic he spent his later years volunteering most of his time to his church as a eucharistic minister and sacristan. Though he took great pride in his many accomplishments and activities, he took even greater pride in his family. He always put his family and friends before himself. Thomas is survived by his wife, Margie Gowey; sons Mike Gowey of Alpine and David Gowey of DeMoines, Wash.; daughters Theresa Overfield of Gilbert and Carol Haynes of Rio Rancho, N.M.; 10 grandchildren, Richard, Angelia, Cheyanne, Fletcher, Joseph, Zachary, Audrey, Stormey, Tyler and Jarom. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers John, Ralph and Merle Gowey; and granddaughter Christine Victoria. A Rosary was held Monday, June 1, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Springerville. Funeral Mass will be held Tuesday, June 2, at 10 a.m. also at the church. Interment will follow at the Springerville Cemetery. To send an online condolence, visit www.burnhammortuary.com. Burnham Mortuary of Eagar handled arrangements.