Obituary of Charles S. Bowen, Sr.

Charles S. Bowen, Sr., 85, of Eastford, died Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. He was the beloved husband of Arlene (French) Bowen and she was his loving wife for more than 60 years. He was born December 28, 1926 in Eastford, CT, son of the late Oliver D. and Gertrude (Leavitt) Bowen. He was an Army Veteran of World War II, serving in the Infantry 88th Division "Blue Devils" in Italy. Charles had made his home in Eastford all his life, a 1943 graduate and a member of the Color Guard of The Carson Long Military Academy in Carlisle, PA. He was a Charter Member of the Eastford Independent Fire Company. Charles owned and operated Charles S. Bowen Trucking, Inc. and Eastford Truck Sales, Inc. for over 50 years. Charles, with his mother, was instrumental in the development of the "Oliver D. Bowen Memorial" Eastford Little League Fields. He served as 2nd selectman for the Town of Eastford from 1959 to 1971. Charles was an honest, hardworking, loving and caring husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He leaves in addition to his wife Arlene, his children Pamela Desaulnier and her husband Dennis of Eastford; Christopher Bowen of Eastford; Richard Bowen and his wife Amy of Eastford; Charles Bowen, Jr. and his wife Pathumma of Thailand; a brother Spencer Bowen of Eastford; a sister Betsy Erickson of Eastford, grandchildren Derrick, Daniel, Kristin, Alyssa, Sarah, Benjamin, Jacob and Caleb, great grandchildren Aisha, Hunter, Abigail, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Russell Bowen and his sister Nancy Ann Bowen. A Celebration of the Life of Charles S. Bowen, Sr. will be Monday, March 5, 2012 at 3:00 PM at the Eastford Congregational Church, 8 Church Road, Eastford, followed by a reception in the church hall. Burial will be in the spring in Grove Cemetery, Eastford with Military Honors. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to the Eastford Independent Fire Company, PO Box 333, Eastford, CT 06242. Smith and Walker Funeral Home, Putnam is directing the arrangements. To share a memory with his family "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com