A service to celebrate the life of Thomas Frances Gowdy’s 65 years of life is scheduled at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at St. Paul’s on the Plains, followed by a graveside service at Resthaven Cemetery.
Tom was born September 12, 1958, to John and Lorraine Krieger Gowdy in Williams, IA. He married Letrice “Cat” Haggard on Saturday the 3rd of January at The Chapel St. Paul’s on the Plains in Lubbock, Texas. Tom Loved and cared for his wife, Cat with everything he had. Thomas Francis Gowdy was an extraordinary husband and father in this world. He gave everything he had to his family and friends. Tom would bring his wife, Cat, roses every week for over ten years. There will never be another Tom in this world. He loved fiercely for his family. His wife and children were his best friends on this earth. Tom was one of the most unselfish men who has ever walked this earth. He lived for each moment he got to spend over the years with his children at their sporting events, and did everything in his power to be at each special event that his children participated in. His family was everything to Tom and it showed in how he took care of them.
Tom is survived by wife, Letrice “Cat” Haggard-Gowdy; children, Josh Gowdy, Joe Gowdy; Justice Haggard, Andrew Haggard, stepchildren: Hunter Warne, Whitney Warne; grandson, Jackson Gowdy; siblings, Pat Gowdy and Greg Gowdy; and a mother-in-law who was like a mother, Teena Bell. He is also survived by a stand-in for an earthly mother, Joyce Herron, a sister-in-law, Denise Stumph, and husband, JT, and two beautiful nieces, Cameron and Reagan; nephew, Drayson Adcock, and his girlfriend, Abbie Wynn; niece, Audrey Adcock, and his bonus child, Ryan Day, who lived with Cat and Tom – whom they called their adopted adult son.
He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Lorraine Gowdy.
Precious Tom loved to farm with his dad growing up. He had many wonderful memories out on his parents’ farm surrounded by his grandparents, in which he absolutely adored. Tom’s uncle Francis and Aunt Ginny and parents guided Tom to love the Lord and be the most amazing man on this earth. Tom loved his kids fiercely and absolutely loved being a dad and grandfather. He was a gentle and humble soul. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved spending time with his family.
Tom enjoyed fishing and he looked forward to golfing with his son Justice every Spring. He bonded with each of his sons over sports and spent countless hours talking to the boys about baseball, golf, basketball, and football. Each of his children knew they were loved by Tom. His children meant everything to him, and Tom knew no limits on giving to his wife Cat and children. He loved his wife, Cat fiercely and would do absolutely anything for Cat as many witnessed his boundless love. Every time Cat would call Tom, he would say “Hello Gorgeous” that left many observers wanting that kind of love that Tom and Cat had. There will never be another Tom on this earth, he was definitely amazing in every way. Every kind adjective describes the man that Tom was: able, authentic, bighearted, bright, discerning, educated, friendly, generous, gentle, gifted, humble, intelligent, joyful, likable, steady, well-respected, considerate, dedicated, dependable, empathetic, sensitive, trustworthy, warmhearted, wise, affectionate, hardworking, are just a few that described Thomas Francis Gowdy during his time on this earth. Tom loved the Lord with all his heart and we all may mourn for him, yet we as Christians know that we will be with Tom again someday and oh what an amazing day that will be in Heaven!
Thomas Francis Gowdy spent over forty years in the Crop insurance industry. He spent his last years with Hudson Crop Insurance working as their National Accounts Manager. Tom and his family will forever be grateful to Hudson Crop Insurance Group for the love and kindness they have shown. Tom had immense respect for Hudson Crop insurance.
Tom was previously Vice President for Armtech and the Vice President of IGF crop insurance Company. With over 40 years in the Crop Insurance Industry, Tom traveled the United States in various capacities from Marketing Rep to President to National; Account Manager. He managed companies in excess of 200 employees and served on various boards and committees within the Crop Insurance Industry. Some of which were, American Association of Crop Insurance Board (AACI), Crop Insurance Research Bureau (CIRB), National Crop Insurance Services (NCIS), Crop Insurance Professional Association (CIPA), National Weather Service (NWS) Crop Data Review Panel, University of Minnesota Education Committee, Iowa State University Education Committee, RMA Nursery Development Committee and RMA GRP/GRIP Development Committee,
We love you Tom and will never stop wanting to be with you. We are forever grateful for the life of Thomas Francis Gowdy and will join you in Heaven Someday.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted”. Psalm 34:18.
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