Thomas Emmett Bowden, affectionately known as Tommy, age 77, of Drew County, AR passed away on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 31, 1947, in Dermott, AR to the late Emmett “Jimmy” Bowden and Julia Louise Hemingway Bowden.
Tommy was a devout Christian; he was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in McGehee, AR where he served the Lord for many years and later in life he and his wife, Brenda attended Pauline Baptist Church in Monticello, AR, so they could worship with their children and grandchildren.
He was a graduate of the University of Arkansas at Monticello with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in History. He retired from Potlatch. Tommy took great pleasure in gardening; anyone who knows the Bowden family knows about the Bowden National Corn Shucking Day, it is a day where the family would gather and shuck countless bags of corn at his home. He enjoyed hunting; he was an avid Razorback football fan, sometimes he would forget he was a fan and not the referee. Tommy was the founder of the L.A. Express Traveling Softball Team; he formed this team so his beloved daughters could play ball. He coached softball for over 20 years, coaching L.A. Express and league ball. He was a Jack of all trades; one of Tommy’s big accomplishments was that he built the home that he and his wife live in.
Tommy is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Landers Bowden of Drew County, AR whom he married on March 20, 1967 ; his daughters, Brenda Renee Hand and spouse Rod of McGehee, AR; Stephanie Louise Odom and spouse James of Monticello, AR and Emily Ann Henderson and spouse Dax of Drew County, AR; sister, Pam Bowden Daley and spouse Marse of Hamburg, AR; grandchildren, Morgan Landers Bowden, Christopher Thomas Hand, Madison Reese Moore, Cami Louise Hand, Laken Bowden Britton and Avery Kate Odom; great-grandchildren, Brynleigh Kay Hand, Delylah Louise Young and Bryton Emmett Young; along with some very special friends that he talked to daily and cherished.
He leaves behind a great legacy of love, character and faith. He was a loving husband, father, papaw, father-in-law, brother and friend. Tommy will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but they find comfort in knowing that he is with his Lord and Savior, and he is no longer physically limited.
A private family memorial service will be held at a later date.Arrangements by Roselawn Funeral Service and Crematory in Pine Bluff. Online guestbook at www.griffinfuneralservice.net.
