Charles Douglas Bowers, known by family and friends as Charlie, was born August 29, 1957 in Des Moines, IA to Marion and Charles Ralph Bowers.

Charlie grew up on the South Side of Des Moines, graduating from Lincoln High School. After high school he enlisted in the Navy and spent the next few years in Corpus Christi, TX.

After the service, Charlie resided in Des Moines, IA. In 1984 he met the love of his life, Carol. They started building their life together and married June 1, 1992. They enjoyed camping, grilling and sitting in the garden.

When Charlie and Carol united, Charlie took on the role of stepfather to Rose. From playing Barbies when she was little to changing tires when she was a teen, Charlie was a constant in her life and loved her like his own.

Charlie always had a love for animals and had many dog and cat companions throughout his life. He never passed up an opportunity to stop and pet a furry friend.

Charlie was a fashion icon in his own right. He loved to dress his best and was often seen in camo or American flag garb. He was also a motorcycle enthusiast, owning many different bikes and often driving like he stole them.

Throughout Charlie’s life he was always known as a hard worker. He was employed in long-haul trucking, concrete, and his final job was security at Lakeside Hotel Casino, which he loved. Charlie made friends wherever he went, and work was no exception. Some of those relationships were lifelong.

Charlie’s last 15 years were spent in Osceola, IA. He loved being close to the baseball fields and was ecstatic every time he found a baseball in his large yard. He was also known to make an appearance at the West End up on the square where he had many close friends.

Charlie was a great storyteller with a huge smile and the memory of an elephant. Up until the end, Charlie was laughing and telling stories. Many of us will miss those stories dearly.

Charlie passed away on March 28, 2023, and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Carol Bowers, his parents, and his brother Joseph Bowers. He leaves behind his stepdaughter Rose Formaro (husband Charlie Formaro), many friends, and siblings Kelly Bowers, Traci Liesenger and Scott Bowers.

Charlie will be buried at Iowa Veterans Cemetery on September 19, 2023 at 11:00 am.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/charles-douglas-bowers/obituary/

Copy