Thomas Edward Stowers

Rev. Thomas Edward Stowers, age 78, was born on July 26, 1948. On Friday September 11, 2026, Thomas left his family’s loving arms and walked into the arms of Jesus. Leaving behind a family whose hearts will forever carry the love, laughter, strength, and memories he gave them.

Thomas was the baby boy of the late Buster and Ollie Bell Stowers. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Naomi Linville, and his brother, Buster Stowers Jr.

Tom was a man who understood service, sacrifice, and hard work. He served his country honorably in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Specialist Five. From 1968 to 1969, he served in Vietnam, carrying with him the courage and strength that would define the rest of his life.

After returning home, Tom continued to build a life centered around hard work and providing for the people he loved. He worked as a Rock Truck Driver for Hobet Strip Mine & In partnership with his mother he owned and operated Osborne’s IGA in Griffithsville, and later worked as a conductor for CSX before retiring.

To those who loved him most, he was a devoted husband, a loving father and a pastor, a hardworking provider, a faithful man—and, most treasured of all, he was a Popaw.

Thomas shared 55 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Marcella Stowers—the woman who was woven into nearly every chapter of his life. She was far more than his wife; she was his lifelong companion, his constant, and the person with whom he built everything that mattered most. Together, they created a home, raised a family, weathered life’s hardest seasons, celebrated its greatest joys, and experienced the quiet blessing of growing older side by side.

Their love was not measured only by anniversaries or the passing of years. It was found in thousands of ordinary moments, in a lifetime of standing beside one another, and in the family they built and loved together.

He was deeply loved by his daughter, Tonya (Timmy) Neal; his son, Thomas E. Stowers II; his daughter, Jessi (Nick) Fleming; a special lady that was like a daughter to him, Crystal (Vester) Walsh along a host of family and friends.

But there was one little boy who held an especially tender place in his heart: Owen Fleming—his very special “Popaw’s Boy.” The bond Popaw and Owen shared was something truly extraordinary. Whether they were mowing together, spending the day fishing, or simply making a trip to Walmart, it was never really about what they were doing—it was about being together.

Those ordinary days became some of life’s most precious memories. Owen was Popaw’s shadow, his little sidekick, and one of the greatest joys of his life. The love between them was the kind that could be seen, felt, and understood without ever needing words.

Of all the roles Tom held throughout his life, one of his greatest callings was serving the Lord. As pastor of House of Prayer Full Gospel, he faithfully shared God’s Word and touched countless lives through his ministry. His faith was not simply something he spoke about—it was something he lived.

Thomas was a man of strength, faith, sacrifice, and unconditional love. He worked hard, loved deeply, gave generously, and made sure his family always had everything they needed and more. He was the kind of man whose presence made people feel protected, whose love made them feel safe, and whose absence will leave an emptiness that can never truly be filled.

Our family will forever miss his voice, his stories, his guidance, his laughter, and the comfort of simply knowing he was there. Although our hearts are broken, we find peace in knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord he served so faithfully.

He was far more than a husband, father, popaw, veteran, provider, and pastor. He was the heart of our family, the greatest man we knew, and the kind of Popaw whose love will live on for generations.

He will be loved, missed, and carried in our hearts until we meet again.

Services will be held at Handley Funeral Home in Hamlin, WV, Saturday September 19th, 2026 with Visitation at 12p and Funeral Services at 2p to follow with Rev. Terry Damron, Rev. Charles Gibson and Rev Crystal Walsh officiating. Burial to follow at Stowers Cemetery in Griffithsville, WV.