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Thomas Chowning Obituary
Thomas B. Chowning, MSgt., USAF (RET.), 75, died at his home on October 24, 2010 after a brief illness. Born in Taylorsville, KY., he served in the Air Force for 20 years. While in the Air Force, he oversaw development of the narcotics detector dog program, a program he later helped duplicate for the U.S. Customs Service. As associate director of the dog training program in Front Royal, Va., his work took him all over the world buying dogs, evaluating detector programs in other countries, and giving speeches explaining the program, which grew to include explosives detection. He later worked in Saudi Arabia for 10 years, advising the Saudi government in explosives detection. In 1998, he and his wife, Sarah, retired to San Antonio, where Tom became an active volunteer for Oasis, a non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of senior citizens. His other memberships include Western Hills Christian Church, and the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Survivors include his wife, Sarah, of San Antonio, a daughter, Donna Reid, of Fairfax, Va., a son, Steven Chowning, of Slanesville, W. Va., grandchildren Shanna, Rachel, Jared, and Joey, and great-grandchildren Andrew, Cassidy, Noah and Lucia. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at 11:00 a.m., at Western Hills Christian Church, 8535 Huebner Road. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Oasis of San Antonio, 6161 NW Loop 410, San Antonio, TX, 78238, or the charity of your choice. You may sign the on-line guestbook at www.missionparks.com under the obituary section.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Chowning
Lorie
November 1, 2010
Sarah, I'm so sorry. You & Tom have always meant a lot to me.
October 29, 2010
Many fond memories are of Sarah, Tom, and Children at Marbach Christian Church in San Antonio, Texas...Blessings to you from your friends Eva and Teresa Robertson
George & LeAnn Vollmer
October 29, 2010
Tom was a positive role model, teacher, and mentor for me as well as friend. He was a real pleasure to work with and will be deeply missed.
Carl Newcombe
October 29, 2010
Sarah, Sherry and I were sadden to hear of Tom's passing. He was always a good friend and associate. We will all miss him. Carl & Sherry Newcombe
October 29, 2010
Tom was my first Supervisor when I came to the CETC. He was more the a Supervisor and a great menator, but a great person. Someone I could look up to and aspire to be like ! It is hard to put into words what I would like to say about Tom, But I guess "Thanks" is the best I can do right now, for having him in my life. Sara,Steve, & Donna you have my deepest sympathies, and we should never forget !
Cynthia Rudacille
October 29, 2010
Sarah, Steve & Donna: You are all in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Tom was the all around best supervisor that I have ever known. Then he became a friend along with the rest of you guys. My life was truly blessed by knowing Tom and calling him "friend." I will miss him.
Cindi
Jim & Robin Edmundson
October 28, 2010
It was with great sadness to learn of Tom’s passing,I will always remember the great times we had together as co-workers at the Military Dog training center at Lackland AFB. We extend our profound sympathy to the Chowning family.
October 28, 2010
Dear Family - how saddened we are of Tom's passing. Both of you have been part of my family forever and I will always cherish the wonderful friendship we have shared through the years. We send our love and prayers.
Jo & Gene
Abb Campbell
October 28, 2010
Tom was a leader,trainer friend and a positive example for many of us. My deepest sympathy to Sara, Steve. Donna and all of the Chowning family.
frederick luby
October 28, 2010
Sarah ,Steve and Donna , Tom was one in a million ! Everyone who knew him would attest to that. Tom will be missed by many worldwide where he gained the reputation as being careing, God fearing, concerned for all and an all around great person. Fred Luby El Paso Customs
David Wentworth
October 28, 2010
With deepest sympathies and admiration from a legacy Air Force and US Customs K-9 Officer.
Ronald Friend
October 28, 2010
No amount of words to express the loss of Tom Chowning. He was a wonderful husband, father, and friend. I had the great pleasure of knowing Tom as a friend and a boss. I met Tom and Sarah in Saudi Arabia where we worked together with the Saudi K-9 Program. Many great times were had sitting around the compound pool or enjoying dinners together. I also had the opportunity to meet both Steven and Donna.
I know Tom is looking down at all of us right now smiling. He knows how we feel in our hearts but he wants us to know it is OK. He will be waiting for all of us to meet up again one day.
With my deepest sympathy on the loss of a GREAT man.
RoN Friend
Ronald Friend
October 28, 2010
Sarah, Steve, and Donna,
No amount of words can express the sorrow that you have for the lose of a husband father and friend. I had the great fortune of knowing the entire family personally and professionally. Having Tom as a boss over in Saudi Arabia was an experience I will never forget. All the great times we had in our compund enjoying dinners together and times around the pool will never be forgotten.
Tom may be gone but he is not forgotten. He is looking down at us all and I am sure he will be waiting for all of us.
My deepest sympathy on your loss.
RoN Friend
Amy Bolim
October 28, 2010
Aunt Sarah, Steven, and Donna.
So sorry for your loss. I will always remember all our times together. I vision him, Chris, and Mom sitting together with an endless cup of coffee laughing at Tony's stories.
Love to all
Amy & Mike
peg flynn
October 28, 2010
Aunt Sarah, I love you & family so very much. Please know how much I care and feel for you. With deepest sympathy. Peg
Neicea Mallon
October 27, 2010
Mrs. Sarah, Donna & Steve, I was devastated to hear about Mr. Tom. He was such a special person. I found this article online that talks about the pioneering contributions that He made to cannine protection programs. He really made a difference. Much Love Neicea http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/highlights/canine/focus_canines.xml
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