Thomas W. Kowa, 72, of Decatur, Illinois, passed away on November 8, 2026 with his family by his side. Born July 26, 1954, Tom lived a life defined by determination, generosity, and a deep love for family and community.
The son of the late Robert G. Kowa and Gloria Gebhart Mercer, Tom graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and attended Eureka College.
Following his father’s passing, Tom became the second-generation owner of Huston Patterson Printers. With a fiercely competitive spirit, entrepreneurial vision, and relentless work ethic, he helped build Huston Patterson and Sigma Graphics into one of North America’s premier printing businesses serving the packaging industry, culminating in the company’s sale in 2022.
Yet Tom’s success in business told only part of his story. Behind his competitive nature was an extraordinarily kind and generous man. Throughout his life, he quietly supported Old King’s Orchard Community Center and other organizations throughout Decatur, giving without seeking recognition. His generosity extended equally to his friends and those fortunate enough to know him.
Tom enjoyed hunting, music, traveling, and cheering on his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and Indianapolis Colts. In later years, his competitive spirit found a new home in the stands, where he took tremendous pride in following his grandchildren’s sports, activities, and accomplishments.
Tom is survived by his wife, Pam; his children, Tonya (Joe) Morelli and Zach (Megan) Kowa; his stepdaughter, Nichole (Bobby) Garner; and nine grandchildren: Josephine, Gabriella, Gianluca, Giuliana, Kennedy, Layton, Piper, Brenden, and Ryann.
He is also survived by his brother, Steven Kowa; sister, Cindy (Jeff) Basler; stepsiblings, Debbie (Mark) Teike, Doug Dechert, and Melanie (Mike) Escott; and stepmother, Katherine Kowa. Tom is also remembered by Sue Kowa, a close friend whom he shared two children- Tonya and Zach.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert G. Kowa and Gloria Gebhart Mercer.
Tom’s legacy will be measured not simply by the business he built, but by the people he lifted up, the community he quietly strengthened, and the family he loved so deeply.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Old King’s Orchard Community Center in Decatur, Illinois, an organization close to Tom’s heart and one he generously supported throughout his life.
