Charles “Charlie” W Bowman Sr., age 83, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, and dear friend, passed away peacefully in the home he so loved on April 7, 2023, surrounded by his family. He fought hard, but ultimately succumbed to damage caused by diabetes.
Born in Myerstown Pennsylvania, his family moved to Ocean City in 1944 where he then grew up and raised his own family in his beloved hometown. He attended all Ocean City public schools and his time at OCHS was quite memorable (Class of 1957). He was voted “Most Athletic” by his senior classmates. He was a four-star athlete lettering in football, baseball, basketball, and track (javelin). Charlie was the co-caption of the OCHS football team; league champion in javelin; pitched a no-hitter in baseball; and a valued member of the basketball team. He was recently honored at the Ocean City High School Athletics Hall of Fame for his winning 1957 Basketball team and in the OCHS Alumni All-Stars cabinet which is housed in the atrium of the Community Center.
Charlie spent his youth out on the local marshes and back bays duck hunting, clamming, fishing, boating and just having fun out on the water. He was a member of the Marlin and Tuna Club.
He was proud to be part of the Ocean City Beach Patrol, guarding our beaches from 1956-65. In 1961, while guarding on the First Street beach, he met his wife, Beth. He retired from his beach career as a Lieutenant on the patrol. Charlie was inducted into the OCBP Hall of Fame in 2008. He was the OCBP’s top stern man, teaming up with fellow hall of famer Tom Oves Sr (also his brother-in-law) to win 2 OCBP doubles championships. He went on to set the standard of excellence for those who followed him, helping the OCBP to win the first of its eleven consecutive South Jersey Championship’s beginning in 1961. In 1960, he and Tom were the first OC doubles crew to take that title in the Margate Memorial races.
Charlie graduated from Trenton State College with a teaching degree in 1962. While at college, he played for the Trenton State Lions football team and was the Stage Manager for many college productions. He taught industrial arts and spent most of his teaching career at Mainland Regional High School (MRHS) until he retired in 1995. While at MRHS, he also coached football, track, and golf. He was instrumental in running the Atlantic County Vo-Tech program, helping students find their post high school careers. He was highly regarded by his students and fellow teachers. He loved his role as a teacher, coach, and mentor.
In addition to teaching, Charlie also used his talented wood working skills on his side business, Bowman Builders. After he stopped actively building, he was always ready to help his friends out on any and all home projects. All his power tools in the garage were active to the end!
He was an avid golfer, hunter, and fisherman. His love of sports carries on in his children and grandchildren. His greatest joy was following his grandchildren’s interests whether that be on a field or on a stage. He loved walking and bike riding on the boardwalk. He really enjoyed fishing, golfing, cruising the East coast ports and international waters, and travelling with friends.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents George and Margaret Bowman and sister Ruth Bowman Sayre. Charlie is survived by his wife of 60 years Beth, his son Charles Jr (Jennifer) and grandchildren Caroline, Katie and Kelsea; son Bill (Andrea) and grandchildren Sean, Luke and Brynn and great granddaughter Skylar; and daughter Tricia Branch (Dave) and grandchildren Siena and Andrew. He is also survived by his sister Mary Ellen Bowman Voorhees and his nieces Debbie Voorhees and Kathy Sayre Fraites and nephews Jimmy Voorhees and Tommy Sayre.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation whose mission is to find the cure for diabetes), http://www2.jdrf.org/goto/S_B , in memory of Charlie and in support of his fellow diabetic granddaughter Siena or to the St Peters UMC (Asbury Education Endowment). Visitation will be held on Friday, April 28 at St Peter’s UMC, 501 East 8th Street, Ocean City from 10am -12pm and service at 12pm.
Arrangements are by The Godfrey Funeral Home of Ocean City. For condolences to the family visit www.godfreyfuneralhome.com.
