Charles Calvin Bowman (Teeny Baby) transitioned peacefully into eternal life on November 9, 2024. He was born on December 31, 1939, to the late William and Lucille (Dorsey) Bowman in Charles County, Maryland.

Charles attended Charles County Public Schools while working weekends at a car wash in Eastover, Prince George's County. He graduated from Pomonkey High School in 1958, and soon after, began working at a service station in Mason Springs, MD. Eventually, he was hired by the Naval Ordnance Station in Indian Head, MD.

Charles was baptized at an early age and joined the Smith Chapel United Methodist Church in Pisgah, Maryland. He was a very active member as a child, attending Sunday School and singing in the youth choir. As an adult, he continued to sing in the men's choir, was a member of the usher board and trustee board and served on other committees. He loved his church deeply, and even when his health began to decline, he continued to participate by watching services online. His favorite hymn was "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

In 1957, Charles met his best friend, Ophelia "Barbara" Marshall. The two began a courtship that blossomed into marriage in 1962. In 1965, they purchased their first home, where they welcomed their beloved daughter, Phyllis.

Charles and Barbara shared a beautiful life together, marked by mutual love and companionship. They attended Washington Redskins football games, traveled to exciting destinations, enjoyed amusement parks, and attended dinners and cabarets with the Crystallettes Social Club. Their joyful journey together lasted until Barbara's passing in 1990 after a period of declining health.

In 1973, Charles faced a career setback due to a reduction in force (RIF) at the Naval Ordnance Station, affectionately known as "the base." Undeterred, he transitioned to the Washington Navy Yard, where he completed his Federal career in 1995 after 34 years and 10 months of service. He took pride in his work, ensuring efficiency and dedication during his years of service. Retirement brought him great happiness, and he often said, "I'm not looking for work, and I don't want work looking for me." Charles spent much of his retirement enjoying time with friends, whether at the local landfill or his cherished church.

In 2002, Charles was blessed to find love again with Carolyn Parks. Together, they created a new chapter filled with happiness and joy. Their 22 years of marriage were enriched by the delight of watching their grandchildren grow into accomplished young adults.

In November 2013, Charles and Carolyn had the honor and pleasure of adopting their grandchild, Tatiana Mitchell, into the family, whom he was very fond of.

A gifted storyteller, Charles enjoyed meeting new people and sharing engaging conversations.

Charles leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife of 22 years, Carolyn Bowman; his daughter, Phyllis Bowman Whitehead (Kenneth); and two stepsons, Linwood Parks, and Travis Mitchell. He is also survived by six grandchildren: Tenia Parks, Leilani Parks, Orlando Parks, Dequan McKenny, Tequilla Devaughn, and Tatiana Mitchell. Additionally, he is survived by one sister, Veronica "Elnora" Milstead,  two god-daughters Lisa Marshall and Rose Washington, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

His viewing will be held from 10:00am until time of Celebration of Life, 11:00am, on Friday, November 22, 2024, Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.  Interment Smith Chapel Church Cemetery, 7750 Poorhouse Road, LaPlata, Maryland 20646.

On Friday, November 22, 2024  at 11:00 am, please click on the link below to live stream the service.

Please make sure when viewing the services that the volume located in the right lower corner (where it says "live") on the viewing screen is turned up (the bars should be blue).

The streaming will begin after the final family viewing.  Therefore, there may be a delay before the service appears on the screen. Thank you.

https://www.thorntonfuneralhomepa.com/live-stream