July 26, 1934 ~ August 5, 2023
Charles Lee Bowman, 89, of Muskogee, Oklahoma passed away Saturday, August 5, 2023. He was born July 26, 1934 in Muskogee to Joseph F. and Gladys Orpha (Hedges) Bowman. He attended Muskogee public schools and graduated from Muskogee Central High School with the class of 1953.
In October 1953, Charles became a member of the United States Air Force where he proudly served. He received an honorable discharge in August 1957.
After his military service, Charles attended Northeastern Oklahoma State University where he majored in Business Administration.
Charles met and soon married Winnie Mae Campbell on August 29, 1958 in Muskogee. They shared almost 65 years of life, marriage and memories together.
He worked for 50 years as an insurance agent and broker retiring in 2009. He made many friends and acquaintances during his time in business.
He was a long-time member of the First Baptist Church in Muskogee. He served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher and Greeter.
Charles was known for his support of the Muskogee community. He was a 49-year season ticket holder for Muskogee Rougher football and a member of the Muskogee Rougher Quarterback Club. He was a youth sports coach, a member of the Morning Breakfast Optimist Club and the Civitan Club. He also was a Bedouin Shriner, a Gideon, past president of the Muskogee Chamber of Commerce, and board member of Kelly B. Todd Center, MARC, and the Five Civilized Tribes Museum.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Gladys Bowman; sister, Betty Jones-Franks; son-in-law, Mike Floyd; and daughter-in-law, Margie Bowman.
Charles is survived by his loving wife, Winnie of Muskogee; daughter, Vicki Dean and husband Mark of Catlettsburg, KY; sons, Charles (Tim) Bowman and wife Teresa of Richmond, TX, Paul Bowman of Muskogee; daughter, Elena Floyd of Edmond, OK; grandchildren, Brandy Dean, Amber Dean and husband David Karr, Marty Dean, Scott Bowman and wife Nicole, Katie Agado and husband Ricky, Mary Bowman, Hannah Bowman, Luke Bowman, Sarah Young and husband DeShaun, Rachel Perry and husband James, Emily Ragsdale and husband Chandler, and Charles Floyd; great-grandchildren, Ronnell Bragg, Leona Armour, Morgan Dean, Olivia Karr, David Karr Jr., Evelyn Dean, Reagan Pounds, Layla Bowman, Daelan Young, and Nyla Young; along with many other family members and friends who will miss him dearly.
The family will receive friends from 5:30-7:30PM, Friday, August 11 at Cornerstone Funeral Home.
Charles' life will be celebrated at 3PM, Saturday, August 12 at Muskogee First Baptist Church with his sons, Rev. Paul Bowman and Tim Bowman officiating. A private interment is planned.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Gideons International, the Bedouin Shrine Transportation Fund, or the First Baptist Church - Muskogee Summer Camp Fund.
Funeral services are under the direction of Cornerstone Funeral Home and Crematory, 1830 N. York Street, Muskogee, Oklahoma. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.cornerstoneofmuskogee.com.