Emerson "Charlie" W Bowman

He was born at home July 8, 1931 on a small farm on Bear Ridge in the Appalachian Mountains in southwest Virginia, the sixth of seven children born to John Teman and Lula Tennessee (Deel) Bowman.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Leona Faye Del Grosso; two newborn sisters, Balma Alice and Bessie Mae; three brothers, Gordon Grey Bowman, Noah Willard Bowman, and a two year old brother, Victor Lee; and Barbara (Freeman) Vokoun, the mother of his two sons.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Susan (Grindinger) Bowman; two sons, John Bowman of Denver, CO and Phillip Bowman of Colorado Springs, CO; a stepson, Martin Bertagnolli (wife, Norma) of Azusa, CA; a stepdaughter, Nicole Moran (husband, Ted); two grandchildren, Ryan Moran and Kelly Moran, all of Newfields, NH; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Emerson’s life was an example of the American dream. He grew up without running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, and telephone. Food for the family was grown on the farm and stored in an underground cellar. Horses and mules were used for work purposes, including making molasses. He walked to and from one-room elementary schools, Bear Ridge and Hatchet, and graduated from Ervinton High School in 1950.

Shortly after graduation, Emerson enlisted in the USAF where he served for 31 years and retired as a Lt. Colonel. He worked in the avionics and aircraft maintenance field maintaining F-89, F-102, F-106, and F-4 fighter aircraft; and as an aerospace maintenance director for the USAF Inspector General. He served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his years of service and after, he earned both his BS and MA degrees.

After retirement, Emerson worked at the Air Force Academy managing the maintenance of the tow-planes and gliders. Later, he earned his real estate and broker’s licenses and worked in real estate. He also invested in real estate becoming a landlord.

Emerson was an avid and successful elk hunter in Montana and Colorado for over 30 years, including working as a guide. He loved the mountains and climbed several 14ers with his wife, Susan. He loved his family, trips to VA, his home, barn, truck, and country and bluegrass music. He enjoyed all wildlife including the birds that he fed and watered daily. The circumstances of his upbringing helped him to be satisfied with the simple things in life; and yet inspired him to see, act upon, and appreciate the many opportunities that became available to him. He was optimistic, unpretentious, friendly, and kind.

He was a member of the Republican Men’s Club, Salesman With A Purpose, High Noon Sertoma, the NRA, Soil Savers, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, and the Korean War Veterans Association.

A burial service will be held at the Pikes Peak National Cemetery Thursday, October 20, at 2pm.

A memorial service, followed by a reception, will take place Friday, October 21, at 11am at St Paul’s United Methodist Church, 2111 Carlton Ave., Colorado Springs, CO.

Memorial gifts may be made to the Christian Appalachian Project (christianapp.org) or to the International Essential Tremor Foundation. (essentialtremor.org)

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MtViewMortuary.com for the Bowman family.