Charles Bowman
East Alton | Save
Charles Franklin Bowman 81, of East Alton, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, at Alton Memorial Hospital.
Charles was born on March 22, 1944, to Carl Franklin Jr. and Charlene (Eckhouse) Bowman in Pearl, Illinois.
He graduated in 1961from Alton Senior High School, and after graduation, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. After his military service, he worked and retired from Owens Illinois Glass Company after 30 years of dedicated service.
He also was a Captain with the Fosterburg Fire Protection District and was an active member of VFW #1308 in Alton. Over the years, Charles enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, playing cards, riding motorcycles, traveling, and spending time with his family.
Charles is survived by his four children. Jason (Shannon) Bowman of Brighton, Shawnna (Ian) Heistand of Godfrey, Mike (Angela) Crain of Brighton, and Scott (Trish) Bryant of Eldred. He is also survived by his ex-wife and lifelong friend, Dianna Bowman of Godfrey and ten grandchildren: Jacob and Alec Bowman, Zachary, Carley, and Ashley Heistand, Andrew Crain, Dianna Kelly, Zach Bryant, Jessie Bryant, Casey Bryant, and Jessica Ross. He was also proud of his ten great grandchildren: Florence, Avery Grace, Draven, Benjamin, Cylus, Cyniah, Charlotte, Ezra, Ronan, and Harvey. Last, he is survived by two brothers and sister-in-laws, Michael (Rhonda) Bowman of Hartford and David (Cindy) Bowman of Parker, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters and brother-in-law: Judith Wolff, Robert Wolff, and Zella Nitz.
Private services will be held at a later date at the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in honor of Charles F. Bowman to the National Memorial of Military Ascent in Grafton, Illinois, which he longed to see.
