Thomas Mcowen

Thomas B. McOwen, having valiantly fought a long illness, died on June 4 at age 80. Tom was born in Greensboro, North Carolina to William and Anna McOwen, who subsequently moved to Cincinnati, where Tom called home. He became an unofficial Cincinnati Historian and enjoyed giving entertaining tours of the city to visiting family and friends, all the while inserting his subtle humor. After graduating from the University of Cinncinnati with an accounting degree, the United States Army took him to Officer Candidate School. Tom served in Korea and continued to serve in the reserves after his tour of duty.

After serving as an auditor for Proctor & Gamble for twenty years, Tom and other train-loving enthusiasts started the Indiana and Ohio Railroad, a short-line freight company, ultimately expanding it from 26 to 250 miles of track. At the same time, he offered cross-country rail excursions through his Rail Adventures company. After selling the railroad, he remained active in railroading by serving on the Ohio Rail Development Commission and on the Board of the Cincinnati Southern.

Tom belonged to Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church serving in various capacities. He and his wife of 58 years, Nancy Meredith Mc Owen, made nine mission trips to Russia to visit their sister church in Samara and several mission trips to Germany. Tom loved to share stories of their memorable and rewarding experiences.

In addition to his wife Nancy, Tom is survived by daughter, Elizabeth Cox (Tony); and son, Thomas McOwen, Jr.; grandchildren, Nathan Cox, Will Cox, Isabella Cox, Caleb McOwen, Hannah McOwen; brother John McOwen (Kathy); brother-in-law, John Meredith Jr.(Brenda);and multiple nieces and nephews. Tom is preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Robert McOwen and William McOwen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to City Gospel Mission, 1805 Dalton Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45214 or to Jerusalem Prayer Team International, P. O. Box 3000, Phoenix, AZ 85046-9932.

A private service will be held at a later date.