Thomas Lee Dowty

Thomas Lee Dowty, 53, a lifelong resident of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 28, 2023 from complications of esophageal cancer. He was born in Rensselaer on July 13, 1969 to William M. Dowty, Jr. and Betty Jane (Lowe) Dowty.

Tom graduated from Rensselaer Central High School with the Class of 1987. He worked as a heavy-duty diesel mechanic for Hopkins Trucking for 30 years. He was a big Chicago Bears and White Sox fan. He also enjoyed NASCAR. Jeff Gordon and Chase Elliott were his favorite drivers. He loved Star Wars and was an avid PC gamer.

Tom was a devout man of God and was a member of Faith Christian Tabernacle. He was hard-working, honorable, kind and selfless. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. He was also funny and had a wonderful sense of humor. Tom was devoted to his family and he loved being a Dad and Grandpa.

On August 22, 2020 he married Regina Hidie, and she survives. In addition to his wife, he is survived by two children, Morgan (Kyle) Perkins and Zachary Dowty; two step-children, Chipo Mahwali and Stephen Mahwali; two sisters, Gina (James) Mumbower and Sharon Dowty; eight grandchildren: Addalynn, Jacqueline, William, Kenzington, Alexandra, Natalie, Brenleigh, Kameron; and one grandson, Thomas, on the way; nieces and nephews: Clair Chama, Mukuka Mofu, Andrew Chanda, Tina Nkombo, Nouvy Mazumba, Mumba Lukunka, Knievel, Nigel, Chisenga and Mulenga Hidie, Shelby Amor, and Dylan and Colton Bursley. Several aunts, uncles, and cousins also survive.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be Wednesday, May 3, 2023 from 9 a.m. until time of funeral at 11 a.m. CDT at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. Dr. James Blanchard officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the funeral home to help the family with final expenses. Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be handling the arrangements. Memories, condolences and photos may be shared with the family at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.