March 13, 1942 ~ February 19, 2025
Thomas Calvin Gowell, 82, passed away February 19, 2025 at his home at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Tom was born in Hart, Mich. on March 13, 1942, the son of Kenneth and Ethel (Barritt) Gowell. He was active in sports and Boy Scouts, where at the age of 14 he received his Eagle Scout award, earning the honor of the Order of the Arrow.
Tom graduated from Hart High School in 1960. He then continued his education at Michigan State University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's in business administration. His career took him many places, but he was always a MSU Spartan and managed to always have season tickets to football games.
Tom's engineering career took him several places in the United States and Newfoundland, Canada, eventually settling in Bluffton, S.C. There, he embarked on a new venture by opening a storage facility with his wife in 1987.
Tom had an adventurous spirit and a relaxed demeanor complemented by his dry sense of humor. He found joy in traveling across the United States in his pickup truck with his dog. He also enjoyed biking and hiking trails and canoeing the Pine River in Michigan each year.
Tom is survived by: his son, Kenneth (Melissa) Gowell; his daughter, Montana Gowell; his sister, Dorothy Kamhout; his brother-in-law, Don Puffer; his grandchildren, Kylie (Matt) Brandon, Madison Gowell and Jace Gowell; as well as his great-granddaughter, Leighton Brandon. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, plus his faithful dog, Summe, that was always by his side.
Tom was preceded in death by: his parents; his son, Todd Gowell, in 1972; his sister, Bobbie Jo Puffer; and his brother-in-law, David Kamhout. Also, his many beloved dogs, Jet, Jessie, Kayla and Sally, were also waiting for him in heaven.
A Celebration of His Life, a theme of "MSU Tailgate" is being held at Ken's Lake Michigan property, located at 2836 N. Lakeview Dr., Mears, Mich. on Sunday, July 6, 2025, from 1-6 p.m. Please join us in this Celebration.
