Charles Mowry

STAUNTON, VA -- Charles "Charlie" Edward Mowry, 90, widower of Helen (Coiner) Mowry, of 2041 Barterbrook Road, Staunton, died at 12:20 a.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2012 in Augusta Nursing and Rehab, Fishersville. He was born May 16, 1922 in Staunton, a son of the late William Bell and Myrtle Shepherd (Coffey) Mowry. Mr. Mowry was a U. S. Marine Corps veteran of World War II. Charlie volunteered to enlist in the USMC on December 8, 1941, then was inducted later that month. He served as a machine gunner in M. Company, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division. Charlie was in the initial landing at Guadalcanal. He also saw action as part of the Marine landings at Cape Gloucester. He later served in the European Theater as well. One thing Charlie enjoyed was going out to the "office", McDonalds, to catch up on the news with coffee and friends. Charlie was a member of the Augusta County Historical Society, Marine Devil Dog Club, and the VFW. He was very well known for his witty remarks. Charlie never met a stranger and was loyal and loving to his family and friends. He was a very active member of Mint Spring United Methodist Church. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed bear hunting. He had a lifelong love of working on the family farm. In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Ralph L. Mowry, Sr. Family includes a son and daughter-in-law, Bruce T. and Babs W. Mowry of Staunton; a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon M. and Mike S. Gilbert of Staunton; a sister, Thelma M. DePriest of Staunton; and three grandchildren, Amanda M. Gilbert, Daniel E. Mowry, and Justin M. Gilbert, all of Staunton. A graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 28, 2012, in the Calvary United Methodist Church Cemetery by the Rev. Terry L. Clark. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Thursday, September 27, in the Henry Funeral Home.