Thomas Vincent Dowling

Thomas Vincent DowlingRobstown, TXThomas Vincent Dowling, Sr., 92, date of birth August 15, 1921, of Robstown, Texas, passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2013, at Spohn Memorial Hospital due to natural causes. Tom was one of five siblings born to parents from Ireland who relocated to New York. Tom's father owned the Dowling Cab Company in Manhattan. His mother passed away reportedly in 1925, and his father passed away shortly after when Tom and his siblings, Thomas, Charlie, John, Rita, and James, were still young. A parish in St. James, New York, asked if anyone could help take care of the children, and they were taken in by the late Clarence Arthur and Anna F. Conklin of Nesconset. During the Great Depression, the children were split up out of financial necessity. Tom and his brother John were placed in a Catholic Orphanage in Metuchen, New Jersey. John served with Tom on Midway Island during World War II. John was a Marine and Tom was a Sea Bee. He was employed and skilled in various trades. Businesses he owned included a fish store, family pool parlor, and a construction company. He also owned some properties. Tom has always been a deeply spiritual man and devout Catholic. In his youth, he initially trained for the brotherhood with the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. He experienced many losses in his life, but never lost faith. In 1989, Tom was in Fallon, Nevada, when he received his spiritual call to serve the poor. Tom started this journey in Haiti, working side-by-side with Mother Theresa's order. After doing some research, Tom became very interested in the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT). He was impressed by their mission and use of ecclesial teams that included priests, consecrated people and laity. Tom joined in 1984 and found his true spiritual home. He lived a full life of love, worship, and adventure in Thailand, Mexico, Indonesia, and the Philippines. As a builder, he was able to see plans for a drug rehabilitation center, grotto, orphanage, fisherman's hostel and other such projects come to fruition. As a visionary, he opened a group home, Maryhaven, for abused and neglected children.He was preceded in death by his former wife, Pauline; daughter Marie, one grandchild, and siblings Rita and James.Tom is survived by two siblings, three adult children, 12 grandchildren, over seventeen great-grandchildren (and counting), and numerous nieces and nephews. Tom's loving and gracious spirit left him with friends from all over the globe. His true family included his biological family, the SOLT Society, and the many, many people his life touched over the years. Tom left a legacy of service and faith that continues to inspire all of us behind. He will be remembered and missed by all.The viewing and Rosary will be held at St. John's Catholic Church in Robstown, Texas on Sunday, November 03, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, November 04, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John's Catholic Church. In Tom's memory, Donations to SOLT would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Please mail to SOLT. P.O. BOX 152, Robstown, Texas 78380.Arrangements Entrusted to:Ramon Funeral Home, Inc.800 Lincoln Ave.Robstown, Texas 78380(361) 387-4051