Thomas “Tom” A. Dowman, age 87 of Oshkosh, passed away on Saturday, December 8, 2018 after a battle with cancer. He was born on February 3, 1931 to the late William and Jenny Mae (Duff) Dowman. He married Dorothy “Dottie” Thomas on January 12, 1974 in Kenosha.

Tom was a Petty Officer 2nd Class in the Navy, and served as a Chaplain’s Assistant and as an announcer on Armed Forces Radio.

He worked in Union Grove, Wisconsin for the Red Cross organizing, fund raising and developing community interaction.

Tom and Dottie moved to Oshkosh in the early 1970’s. Tom worked for the Oshkosh United Way Fund performing the same work as with the Red Cross, organizing, fund raising and community involvement. He continued to run the United Way for over 20 years, raising millions of dollars for the Fund until his retirement. After his retirement, from the United Way, he worked for Pommerening Dodge of Oshkosh as their Five Star Representative.

Tom was always involved in the communities where he lived. He helped establish the Oshkosh Area Community band and was instrumental in creating the Holiday Community Sing. He organized and raised funds for an annual trip to the Shriner’s Hospital in the Twin Cities. For years he organized and MC’d an annual luncheon for residents from the King Veteran’s Home and the contestants for the Miss Wisconsin Pageant.

He was a member of the Candlelight Club and a local Last Man Club. He worked with the local district of the Boy Scouts of America in several volunteer capacities. He led fund raising effort for the Wautoma PAC. He also assisted in fund raising and as a volunteer with the EAA and Oshkosh Public Museum. Tom and Dottie are members of the Salvation Army Church, and Tom helped as a volunteer and fund raiser.

Tom was a member and Past Master of Oshkosh Lodge #27 F&AM of Wisconsin. He also served the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin F&AM in several volunteer positions raising funds, establishing long range financial plans and organizing community involvement.

He was a member of affiliated Masonic organizations including Order of the Eastern Star, the White Shrine of Jerusalem, the York Rite and the Shriners. Until August of this year, Tom dedicated his time to his work with the Masonic Service Association at King Veteran’s Home as a volunteer and member of the King Recreation Committee.

It was once said that “a gentleman is someone who makes those around him feel comfortable and important” if that is true, Tom was a gentleman.

Thomas is survived by his loving wife, Dottie; his sons, Steve Dowman and Andy Brooks; daughters: Lynda (Daryl) Simon and Cherie (Brian) Zahn; grandson: Jacob (Tiffany) Simon; daughter-in-law: Debbie Brooks; good friend: Steven Labus.

He was preceded in death by his son Ron Brooks, his grandson Ray Simon and his brother Gerald.

Memorial services were held.