Thomas Warren Shows

Thomas "Tom" Warren Shows, 92, a lifelong resident of Luverne, Alabama passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023. The Celebration of Life for Tom will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, February 18, 2023, at Luverne First Baptist Church with Reverend Clay Crum officiating and Turner's Funeral Home assisting. The family will receive friends at the Church beginning at 10 AM prior to the service.

Tom was born August 16, 1930, in Luverne, Alabama to Taylor Warren and Alice Hill Shows. He graduated from Luverne High School and attended Auburn University where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. His college life was interrupted due to military service in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Tom met the love of his life, Bobbye Speed, in high school where they were voted the Most Popular Couple during their senior year. Tom and Bobbye married on August 28, 1955 and settled down to start and raise their family in their hometown of Luverne. Prior to that, in 1953, Tom had already begun his 42-year banking career at Luverne Bank and Trust Company. He quickly proved both his ability and work ethic as he was elected a director in 1956, and then named Executive Vice President in 1969. Even more impressive, while working and helping Bobbye raise four children, he returned to his pursuit of a high education at Auburn University at Montgomery and received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Major in Accounting in 1973. In 1986 Tom began serving as president of the bank and continued in that role until his well-deserved retirement.

Tom was an active member of his beloved community serving as a deacon at Luverne First Baptist Church, a member, and former President of the Rotary Club, as well as a Paul Harris Fellow. He continued to contribute to his hometown by serving as the chairman of the Industrial Development Board, the City Council, a member of the Lions Club, treasurer of both the Crenshaw County Heart Fund for over 25 years and the Luverne Masonic Lodge for more than 35 years. His indefatigable spirit and drive continued with his work with the Crenshaw County Shriners Club, and he was even named the "Biggest Rat" in town for the Cancer Crusade. Tom was also a founding member of Crenshaw Christian Academy.

Above all, Tom loved his family and was an attentive dad for his children's many activities. In Tom's free time, he enjoyed golfing with his friends and Bobbye always radiated with pride when he came home with a hole in one.

Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Bobbye Speed Shows; his daughter, Mary Ashley Shows; his parents, Taylor Warren and Alice Hill Shows; his sister, Mary Alice Johnson; his special uncle and aunt, Routon and Merle Shows; and his second wife, Courtney Shows. Survivors include his children, Rebecca (Jud) Bryan, Barbara (Shawn) Brantley, Warren (Mary Anne) Shows; grandchildren, William (Taylor) Brantley, Caroline Brantley, Mathews (Sarah) Bryan, Lee Ellen Bryan, Thomas (Megan) Shows, and Reid Shows; great-grandchildren, Fitz Bryan and Charles Brantley; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family would like to express their utmost appreciation to his caregivers for their love and support. We would especially like to thank Pat Lowrey and Sheila Kidd who have been like family to him in his last years. The family also wishes to thank "Ally B" for her frequent visits, gifts, and cheer these last few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Crenshaw Christian Academy or Luverne First Baptist Church.