Charles Ray Bowman, 82, of Joplin, Mo., died Thursday, October 13, 2022, at his home. Born January 6, 1940, in New Orleans, Louisianan, Charles was the son of J.C. Bowman and Vera Fritchy Bowman. They preceded him in death . He was also preceded in death by one son, Bruce Bowman.
Charles and Diane Benson were united in marriage July 18,1960 in Honolulu, Hawaii. She survives of the home. He served in the United States Navy from 1958 -1962 serving on the U.S.S. Frank Knox DDR and Trathan and serving with the naval station honor guard raising the United States flag when Hawaii was given statehood Following his Navy service. The couple moved to California where Charles was employed as a produce manager for Vons in 1962. He also was employed with Consumers Markets and retired from Walmart in 2002.
Following his retirement in Gulfport, Mississippi, Charles and Diane, lived in Bay St. Louise, MS. They returned to the Joplin, Mo. area in 2005. He spent his retirement years working in and landscaping his yard.
In addition to his wife Diane, of the home, Charles is survived by his son, Keith Bowman (wife, Mary), of Owasso, Okla.; daughters, Stephanie Webber (husband, Allen), of Webb City, Mo., Kelly Bowman, Andrea Groter, (husband, Bill), both of Seneca, Mo. Ten grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two sisters, Gloria Abbott and Iris Corsoe both of Joplin, Mo. also survive.
Memorial services will be 1:30 p.m., Friday, October 21, at the Fellowship Baptist Church, in Baxter Springs. Pastor Larry Wycuff will officiate. Military Honors will be provided by the Baxter American Legion. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions are suggested to Tunnel to Towers or Fold of Honors and maybe left in care of the funeral home.
Memorial services are under the direction of the Derfelt Funeral Home, Baxter Chapel.