Major Charles R. Bowen Retired

Early on November 5, 2013 USAF, Retired Major Charles R. (Chuck) Bowen passed away, at home, surrounded by family. Charles was born in Cairo, IL on July 18th, 1925, raised in South Fulton, TN and lived in Albuquerque, NM for the majority of his life. After graduating high school he joined the Navy and served as a Radio Man on a PBY. He attended Colorado State University, Fort Collins graduating in 1952 earning a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering and receiving his commission to the USAF. While serving as a fighter pilot in The Star Fighters Air Wing Group, he was recognized as the 419th pilot to ever break the sound barrier. He faithfully served during WWII, Korea and Vietnam. During his service in Vietnam he was awarded with The Distinguished Flying Cross and the Gallantry Cross with the Silver Star and many other medals and awards. After retirement in 1969 from the Air Force, he worked as a engineer for the Naval Weapons Evaluation Facility on KAFB. Charles was a master gunsmith, angler and avid hunter. He was well known for his beautiful hand crafted gun stocks and checkering. He is survived by his sister, Elisabeth( Bettye) Beall; a son Lyle D. Bowen; two daughters Lori Laiche and Ella Stoakes; sons-in-law Thomas Laiche and James P. Stoakes; a nephew Stan Beall and niece Elisabeth (Libby) Bream. Services will be held at FRENCH - Lomas on Saturday November 16, 2013 at 11:00 a.m.. Interment will be at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Monday, November 18, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. Please visit our online guest book for Charles at .