Thomas "Tom" R. Dowell

Thomas “Tom” R. Dowell, 82, of Delavan passed away Thursday, September 11, 2025 at OSF Medical Center in Peoria. 

He was born June 4, 1943, in Springfield to Robert and Lydia McMullen Dowell.  He married Sandy Brown May 23, 1964, and she survives.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Spires; and brother, Daniel Dowell.

Tom is survived by his three daughters; Shelby (Brian) LaMothe, Jody Dowell, and Carrie (Rick) Tovrea; eight grandchildren; Samantha LaMothe, Zach LaMothe, Clay LaMothe, Dylan Whisenand, Kelly Whisenand, Caleb Tovrea, Claudia Johnson, and Lavena Tovrea; 8 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marjorie (Vern) Blackford; and one sister-in-law, Ellen Dowell.

Tom was a 1961 graduate of Lincoln High School and began his early life as a cabinetmaker, later using his skills to make all the cabinetry, doors and woodwork in the home he built for his young family.  He apprenticed as a tool & die maker at Caterpillar and rose to management, retiring after 32 years.  He served on the Delavan Fire Department for many years, and served his fellow man in other ways, such as traveling to southern states to help with a natural disaster many years ago. Tom was a lifelong motorcyclist and participated in Iron Butt rides, including Hyder Seek – a ride covering 49 states, ending in Hyder, Alaska. Tom was an adventurer and took an extensive tour of Europe on his bike with a group of fellow BMW riders. He and Sandy also took many trips together on his BMW, visiting many beautiful areas across the US.  He was very active in retirement, running his custom BMW motorcycle accessory business, Excel Cycle Werkes, and his creations are now being used all over the world. In recent years his passion was restoring and riding vintage motorcycles, including models from Bultaco, Husqvarna and BMW.  He was a perfectionist, and every part gleamed. Tom had many friends and enjoyed weekly “Biker’s Church” and “Biker Book Club” gatherings.  He was a devoted husband and enjoyed gatherings with the large family he built with Sandy.

His funeral will be at 12:00 pm Thursday September 18, 2025 at Davis Oswald Funeral Home in Delavan.  Pastor Steve Waggoner will be officiating.  Visitation will be from 10:00-11:45 am also at the funeral home.  Burial will be at Prairie Rest Cemetery in Delavan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St Jude. 

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