Thomas Robert "Tom" Dowil

Thomas "Tom" Robert Dowil of Villa Ridge was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 21, 1948, to George Dowil and Gertrude Dowil (nee' Manhart). He passed away on Friday, January 16, 2026, in Villa Ridge, Missouri at the age of 77.

Tom grew up primarily in Washington, Missouri. He graduated from Washington High School in 1966. After graduating, Tom went on to work for the Chrysler Corporation for 31 years. On July 6, 1968, Tom married the love of his life, Ruth Ann Peirick, in a ceremony at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Union. The two settled in Union and began their married lives. To this union they were blessed with three children, Mark, Michelle, and Matthew. During his life, Tom was involved in numerous organizations. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus in Union, having achieved the status of a 4th Degree Knight. Through the Knights of Columbus, he founded a drive for the developmentally disabled (later named the tootsie roll drive). Being a devout Catholic, Tom was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Union for many years. He was the president of the home and school association at Immaculate Conception and was also a founding member of their fall festival. He and Ruth could be found manning the duck pond game at the fall festival for many years. In 2012, Tom and Ruth relocated to Villa Ridge and became devoted members of Our Lady of Lourdes where they continued their passion for the church. Tom proudly served as an usher for over fifty years between the two parishes.

Outside of his career and organizations, Tom was an avid fisherman and hunter. He loved fishing with his sons and friends, even traveling to Canada for fishing trips. He was particularly fond of deer hunting. He loved playing cards, especially poker, and was an avid collector of many things. Later in life, Tom taught himself how to tie crappie/trout jigs and graciously donated thousands of them to various charitable causes. He was the proud caretaker of a 1968 GTO which he often took to car shows. He and Ruth loved taking the GTO out on "car cruises" together. He also loved following his beloved sports teams the St. Louis Cardinals and the MIZZOU Tigers. He was especially proud to watch his son, Matt, play for the MIZZOU Tigers in the early 90's. Tom will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, George Dowil; mother, Gertrude Dowil; infant sister, Theresa Dowil; great-grandson, Jack Totten; brother, in law, Gene Pharis; and brother-in-law, Harvey Albright.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth Dowil of Villa Ridge; two sons, Mark and his wife Lori Dowil of Palmyra, Matthew and his wife Sara of Washington; one daughter, Michelle and her husband Patrick Hoeft of Union; eight grandchildren, Alex Dowil, Jackie and her husband Blake Totten, Christa and her husband Zeke Broughton, Maddie Dowil, Lauren Dowil, Kate Dowil, Raymond Hoeft, Hannah Hoeft; one great-grandchild, Brody Totten; four sisters, Georgiann Pharis, Mary and her husband Keith Trentmann, Debra Albright, Dena and her husband Robert Fuhr; three brothers, Glenn and his wife Barb Dowil, Gene and his wife Agnes Dowil, John and his wife Cheryl Dowil; along with many nieces, nephews, and other cherished family members.

Visitation for 77-year-old Tom Dowil will be held Tuesday, January 20, 2026, from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, Missouri. A rosary will begin at 4:00 PM with the Knights of Columbus service.

A funeral mass will be celebrated the following morning, Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes in Washington with Rev. Nicklaus Winker presiding. Interment will immediately follow at Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Union.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to CASA of Mideast Missouri or to St. Vincent de Paul at Our Lady of Lourdes.

The Dowil family is served by Oltmann Funeral Home in Washington, Missouri.