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Thomas Grayson-Meritt Bowers
Thomas Grayson-Meritt Bowers
Obituary
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Thomas Bowers Obituary
Born in Lexington, Kentucky, October 12, 1990, he was the beloved son of C. Richard Bowers, Jr. and Barbara J. Bowers. Thomas attended Sayre School, graduating in 2009. Thomas was a member of the baseball team and excelled in academics. He attended Vanderbilt University and DePauw University and graduated from DePauw in 2013 where he was a member of the swimming and diving team. Thomas then attended University of Illinois Chicago John Marshall Law School in Chicago, Illinois and graduated in 2016.
After law school, Thomas lived in Oakland, California and moved back to Chicago in 2018. He was licensed to practice law in California, Illinois, Washington DC and Kentucky. Thomas had just been made a partner in the Lexington, KY law firm of Piper and Bowers, PSC, where he specialized in medical malpractice defense and practiced with his mother Barbara J. Bowers. He was well respected and liked amongst his peers.
Thomas's great love was travel and his friends. He traveled extensively and internationally. He loved cooking, socializing and living life to the fullest. His wit, charm and good nature were always present. He was loved by many and will be sorely missed by friends and family.
He is survived by his parents C. Richard Bowers, Jr. (Jennifer G Bowers) and Barbara J. Bowers, stepbrother Hunter Morgan Lyle, stepsister Chelsea E. Lyle, Uncles Larry Meritt, William D. Bowers (Sue Bowers), Aunts Jana Cocquyt (Kevin Cocquyt), Antonia Wright, Sarah N. Bowers, Suzanne Alexander (Charles Alexander), Janet Cropper (Owen Cropper) Holly Tirjan (Dennis Tirjan) and numerous cousins.
A Celebration of Life will be at:
Thoroughbred Club of America in Lexington, KY
June 29th, 3-6 pm.
Donation suggestions are to the Humane society or to the charity of your choice in Thomas's name.
40 Entries
Jason Vincent- Chicago, IL
August 7, 2025
Too soon, you´re gone from this earth.
Life gets busy-- we had not been in touch for a couple of months, so I reached out by text-just checking in. When I didn´t hear back, I started searching online... and that´s when I learned of your unexpected passing on June 10th.
Still trying to wrap my head around it.
Your spirit, your kindness, your laughter-they left a mark that won´t fade. I´m so grateful for the time we had.
Missing you, my friend. Farewell and godspeed. My love and thoughts of peace and healing to your host of family and friends.
Sheesh
July 7, 2025
When your Dad asked me to speak at your memorial, I wasn't sure I could make it through. So sure that I didn't even attempt it. If I had been able to speak, this is what I would have said... My name is Shannon Pennington Griffin, but most of you here know me simply as Sheesh. When Thomas started talking, he would babble on his toy phone and I started to notice the word "Sheesh." Babble, babble, "Sheesh." Jabber, jabber, "Bye bye Sheesh." After a day or two of this, I told Rocky and Barb--"Guys. I think I'M Sheesh." And so I've been Sheesh ever since. My email (the original that Rocky helped me set up) is Sheesh, my Instagram is MamaSheesh, the license plate on my car is SHEESH. My friends, family, my kids' friends--they all call me Sheesh.
"Mom" and "Sheesh" are the two names I'm most proud of.
I was hired when Barb was pregnant and I started taking care of Thomas when he was 3 weeks old. I will always be grateful that I was the one they chose to help raise that remarkable boy. For seven 1/2 years--until I got married, Barbara, Rocky, Thomas and I were a family. We laughed, cried, traveled, celebrated, even ate dinner together every night and just lived life TOGETHER. When Thomas started Kindergarten, I went back to school, too, and working around his schedule, I was able to obtain another education degree. When my mother died in 1994, I was in a hole of grief that I had never experienced before. The only thing that got me out of bed every morning was knowing I had to show up and take care of a little boy who was too young to understand why his Sheesher was sad.Thomas kept me going. He saved me. And when the time came to choose someone to walk me down the aisle, Thomas was the only one I considered. He is and will always be one of the most important people in my heart.
If you are here today, it's because you loved Thomas and you were lucky enough to be loved by him. I loved that child with my whole being for his entire life. He was thoughtful, kind, hilarious, SO smart and truly one of the greatest humans I have ever known. He lived his life to the fullest and crammed more into 34 years than most of us will in our lifetimes. That doesn't make the hurt any less. Someone said grief is the price you pay for love, and those of us who love Thomas will pay that price for the rest of our lives. My hope for all of us is that when we think of him, we will remember that fantastic smile, his kind heart and empathetic soul and that we will feel him near us until we can see him again. As I used to tell him when he was little, "I love you infinity, T Bird."
Mike Shacter
July 4, 2025
Thomas lived his life with integrity and kindness. I had an opportunity to work with Thomas at Carden & Tracy. He was a lovely, funny and caring man who readily reached out to help colleagues and friends.
Susan and David Blake
July 1, 2025
Barb and Rocky,
We were so sorry to hear about the heartbreaking loss of your son. While we didn't have the privilege of knowing Thomas, we can only imagine the deep grief that comes from losing a child, especially so suddenly.
Please know that our thoughts are with you during this incredibly painful time. We hope you are surrounded by support and comfort as you navigate this loss.
Wishing you strength and peace in the days ahead.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Susan and David Blake
How you can show support
Bill Hayes
June 26, 2025
I have no words for the loss of this beautiful young man. I am deeply sorry. Down on the Gulf, we will
Miss the service but I think of you often and will pray for you in these
Coming days.
Tobin Bell
June 25, 2025
I´ve been devastated ever since I received the news of Thomas´s passing and am still struggling to wrap my head around it. He was my best friend in college. We spent so much time together learning, growing, and making a ton of mistakes. We shared a love of travel and had a lot of long talks about life, the world, and everything in between.
I´ve been struggling to figure out what to say, because Thomas was such a special person. I still hear his voice in my head and can´t believe I won´t get to talk to him again. We hadn´t been as close in the past few years, but I think of him often. He was one of the few people who made me feel like I wasn´t alone. I will miss him always.
Hank Jones
June 22, 2025
Rocky and Barbara-My heart aches for you both. I know that there are no words that can truly comfort you but just know that others grieve with you.
Georgeta Mincinoiu
June 22, 2025
We met Thomas when he was only a few weeks old. He was like our own child. Good bye child, we always miss you! Geta, Ioana and Dragos
Sheesh
June 20, 2025
Maya Patton
June 19, 2025
Bowers,
This is devastating news I never imagined receiving. Thank you for our friendship and being one of the funniest people I´ve ever met. I´m forever grateful for that day you decided to blast the same Beyoncé song for 5 hours straight and I decided to yell at a perfect stranger to please pick a new song. A beautiful friendship was born that day. You are one of my greatest friends. Thank you for everything. I love you.
Jo Tracy
June 19, 2025
My dear friend Thomas,
This is such a shocking heartbreak and loss--for you, your family, your friends and the world. I will always remember your wit, smile, logic, jokes and good character. I will forever honor you and our friendship, the genuineness of which is a rare find in life.
xoxox
Jo
Steve Rollins
June 18, 2025
Heartbroken to hear about the passing of my friend. Grateful for the time we had and the memories we made. Rest easy.
carla D creager
June 18, 2025
So sorry for your loss.
Daniel Coate Free
June 18, 2025
Rocky, Barb and family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. He accomplished much in a short time, and I am sure his spirit will live on with you forever. Dan Free
Barbara Bowers
June 18, 2025
Rest in peace for eternity, my Son. I will meet you in heaven.
Gladys Sizemore
June 18, 2025
Barbara, I did not know your son but I cannot imagine losing a child at such a young age. I enjoyed working with you and just wanted to send our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. I hope your wonderful memories of your handsome accomplished son will bring you comfort .
Theresa Camarena
June 17, 2025
Tom and family; I want to express my heartfelt sympathy. I had the pleasure of meeting Tom through my son Nic. Tom was the kindest, most genuine person I have had the pleasure of meeting. I loved him like my own. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Theresa and Hannah Camarena
Damien Fox
June 17, 2025
My heartfelt thoughts are with Thomas´ family, and with Thomas, eternally.
It was a pleasure to have known him for even such a brief time - a true caring, cultured gentleman.
May he watch over all of those who loved him in this life. Rest easy, Thomas.
Josh H
June 17, 2025
I only met Thomas a few years ago, but he left such a positive impression on me in the short time we were friends. He was one of the most genuine, welcoming, and kind-hearted people I know and will be so deeply missed. Sending all my thoughts and condolences to his family in this unimaginable time. Rest in peace, my friend.
Anne Kiely Merrell
June 16, 2025
Rocky, Barbara and families, I am so sorry for your loss.
Anne Kiely Merrell
Nic Camarena
June 16, 2025
Thomas, we grew into adults and leaned how to love and be in relationship along side one another. You´ve had a lasting impact in my life and will always hold a piece of my heart. From moving to Chicago together, being dads to Fuzz, moving to the Bay and back again. I am a better person because I met you.
I ask that you look out for and guide us all, especially your parents.
I will always love you.
Nic
Marian Pollard-Wheeler
June 15, 2025
To Barbara and Rocky,
Words can not express my deepest sympathy in the loss of Thomas! So many memories flood through my mind! Praying for God´s comfort and peace to abide with you! Prayers are being lifted up to our Heavenly Father as you go thru these days of loss. Sending love and hugs to both of you!
Marian Pollard-Wheeler
Caitlin
June 15, 2025
I am so heartbroken to hear the news of Thomas´s passing. In the years we were at Sayre together, he was always such a kind, intelligent person full of thoughtfulness and integrity. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones. Wishing you peace and comfort in this unimaginable time.
Pam and Bob Shultz
June 15, 2025
Dear Bowers-all
Our hearts break for you. What an amazing young man you raised. Gone way too soon. Comfort to all of you. Love the Shultzes
Gui Nunes
June 15, 2025
In Loving Memory of Thomas
I knew Thomas only briefly, but even in that short time, his warmth and quiet presence stayed with me. There was a gentleness about him, something kind and searching beneath the surface. I wish I had known him better.
I hope he knew he mattered.
May you my dear rest in peace, surrounded by light.
Misty Vance
June 14, 2025
Thomas, it was a pleasure to work with you over the last few years. You exemplified professionalism and always showed kindness and respect even in the most challenging circumstances. Thank you for everything you did for ARH. You will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace.
Martha
June 14, 2025
I loved this kid. So much promise. I grieve with your family.
Cherry Owens
June 14, 2025
Barb and "Rocky," I am so Terribly sorry for this loss in your lives!
Whitney Pannell
June 14, 2025
Barbara and family, I´m so very sorry for your tremendous loss.
Lucia Duncan
June 14, 2025
Rocky and Barb and families, I only knew Thomas as a young child and he was such a delight. My heart is so saddened by this palpable loss. Peace to each of you.
Michel G.
June 14, 2025
I was so fortunate to meet Thomas during my travels in recent years after being online friends for so long. He was kind, smart, supportive and oh so loved by his Chicago family. We talked about Star Trek, swapped travel stories, and shared drinks. I would like his family to know his smile and compassion lit up any room he was in. And he was loved by so many across the globe.
Jim and Lisa Gerrity
June 14, 2025
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of Thomas´ family and friends. We were lucky enough to have met and enjoyed his company here on Manasota Key. Sending love and our deepest sympathies. Lisa and Jim
Rita Besa
June 14, 2025
Thomas,
This is truly a hard pill to swallow. You will definitely be missed my friend. I will always remember your kindness, sense of humor and our extended exchange if travel stories.
RIP my friend,
Rita M Besa
ROSEMARY Mukanda Mutanuka
June 13, 2025
My heartfelt condolences to the families
Shannon Griffin
June 13, 2025
I never dreamed I would live to read your obituary. I have loved you your entire life and I will miss you for the rest of mine. Love always-Sheesh.
TJ
June 13, 2025
My sons will remember the holidays and the trips to the beach and all the great memories of the time spent with Thomas.
I will remember his smile.
Tadarro Richardson
June 13, 2025
Our friend will be missed.
Jean Proehl
June 13, 2025
Such a tragedy. My heart goes out to all of his family and friends, especially Barbara. I hope memories of happy times with Thomas bring you comfort.
Lisa Karaitis
June 13, 2025
The world has lost a remarkable person who embodied a powerful life force. My deepest condolences to all who loved him.
Barbara
June 13, 2025
Thomas, as your Mother, words are simply inadequate to tell you again how much I love you and will miss your presence. May you be encircled with God´s peace and grace.
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