Thomas Dowling Jr.

Thomas Joseph Dowling, Jr. was born July 16, 1954, in Temple, Texas. He was the son of Thomas Joseph Dowling, Sr. and Mary Lee Hulsey Dowling. His grandmother Ettie May Hulsey was a true strength in his life growing up, and he always spoke lovingly towards her. He grew up in central Texas and graduated from Belton High School in 1972. He played trombone in the High School Band, played basketball, and created wonderful memories camping, fishing, and boating with his friends at the lake. He married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Lou Truelove on March 1, 1975, and they were blessed with three boys, Thomas Joseph III (TJ.), Jason Robert, and Michael Adam.

He spent a majority of his career working in the food service industry, where he moved through the ranks of the
company that he worked for 32 years. He started as a vending machine mechanic and retired as the senior vice
president and had complete controls of operations. Under his direction, the company streamlined operations and
acquired numerous other companies under his close supervision. The company had its most profitable years under his
leadership and influence. After his retirement in 2010, he focused on real estate investments and hands on property
management with his son Mike.

Tom loved fishing and camping. He raised his family on the water nearly every weekend. He had recently got a boat so
that he could re-live some of his fondest experiences. He also loved fixing problems. He was often found in his garage
manufacturing the newest fix for the latest problem. He loved to have the grandkids follow him around in the shop to
help him and for him to share his wisdom. He could do woodworking, work metal, electrical, plumbing, drywall,
painting, and anything else. He was hands on and great at everything he did.

Despite his diligence at his career or hobbies, Tom was best known for his personal service offered to everyone he
encountered. He rendered service through every church service opportunity, but living as a disciple of Christ, he also
helped strangers and associates, no matter who they were. He was a friendly smile and a joke with every interaction.
He faithfully served numerous roles and responsibilities for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

In 2012 he married Linda Jean Hargreaves Lenk of Georgetown, Texas. Tom and Linda built a beautiful life together over
the last ten years. They built their home in Killeen, Texas, a place for kids and their 16 grandkids to enjoy the company
of Papa and Nana. They honorably served an 18-month mission for God through The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-
Day Saints in the New York and Pennsylvania Historic Sites Mission from 2020 to 2021. They helped care for the
Palmyra, New York sights and the Priesthood Restoration Site in Susquehanna, Pennsylvania. Their mission was one of
the highlights of Tom’s life. He loved serving with the other senior couple missionaries, the sister missionaries and those
in the Susquehanna Branch. He loved to share his experiences and miracles with anyone that would listen.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Mary Lee and Thomas Sr.; his siblings, Waymon and Dianna; and his first wife Peggy and his grandson Alex. He is survived by his three sons TJ Dowling; Jason Dowling; and Mike (Lindsai) Dowling; his wife Linda, and their children Eric (Helen) Lenk, Scott (Lindsay) Lenk, Elise (Garrett) Maw; 16 grandchildren; Payton, Carly, Matthew, Chance, Emma, Adam, Myles, Ayzlin, Lincoln, Kayleigh, Preston, Elsa, Rowan, Wyatt, Porter, and Cassidy.

Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 1410 S. 2 nd St, Killeen, Texas 76542 on Saturday Oct. 22, 2022. Visitation will be from 10-11am and the memorial service will begin at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that you donate to the Humanitarian Aid efforts at the following website:
https://donate.churchofjesuschrist.org/donations/church/humanitarian-services/humanitarian-aid-fund?cde2=475&

Crotty Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements.