Charles Langston Bowman

Charles L. Bowman was born on May 14, 1936, to the late Deacon Ollie and the late Deaconess Rosa Lee Bowman. He was the fourth of five siblings and the last to gain his wings. He confessed Christ as his personal Savior in the mid-1950s under the tutelage of the late Rev. M. R. Banks. Since that time, Charles has been a proud and dedicated member of Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, Superintendent of Sunday School, and most recently as an usher.

After graduation from Bruton Heights School, Charles joined the U.S. Air Force in 1954, which allowed him to travel extensively throughout the world. He served his country with pride and earned the distinguished Presidential Outfit while stationed in Maryland.

In 1957, Charles married his high school sweetheart, Evangeline Stokes. At her death, they had enjoyed 66 years of wedded bliss! Van joined him on several of his military tours, including the Philippines and three wonderful years in Okinawa, Japan. They shared their love with three late canine children, Candy, Cricket, and CC Bowman. Charles and his late wife continued their love for traveling with cruises and cross-country bus trips with a special group of friends. However, their best times were spent just being with each other.

After leaving the military, Charles reinvented himself by attending Vo-Tech for four years and becoming a self-employed entrepreneur. He successfully operated "Mechanic on Wheels" for many years.

Charles also had a deep love for his Masonic Brotherhood. He was a member of Maceo Consolidated Lodge #124, although his military duty afforded him the opportunity to be affiliated with several lodges, stateside and abroad. He held many offices including Past Worshiper Master. He was especially passionate about his appointment to the committee on Work, for which he served faithfully for 10 years.

Charles leaves to cherish his memories four nephews, Marcus (Deborah), Lovell, Daryl, and Kevin; seven nieces; Cyne (Lionel), Katrina, Dee, Leslie (Dan), Judith, Sonya, and Lisa Joy; a brother-in-law, James Stokes; many great and great-great nephews and nieces; close friends Billy Edwards and Pervis Byrd; and special friends, Tom and Patricia Bailey.