Charles E. "Chuck" Bowling

90, Brownsburg, passed away on May 6, 2021.  Born July 18, 1930 in Harrison County, Indiana, he was the son of Daniel James and Georgia Naomi (Ferree) Bowling who preceded him.

Chuck grew up on a farm working as a handyman on a nearby farm after school and during the summers.  He graduated from New Middletown High School in 1948 and spent four years in the U.S. Navy 1948-1952.  He was stationed at the Yokouski Naval Base in Japan serving in the Japanese Occupation Forces just after World War II.  He spent two years working in the supply office of the Naval Base.  In early 1951 he returned to San Diego and helped recommission the Destroyer, USS Chauncey.  He served on the Chauncey as a Storekeeper for a year including cold weather exercises in the North Atlantic.  After leaving the Navy, Chuck took advantage of the GI Bill of Rights and went to Purdue University graduating in 1956 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

While at Purdue he met his future bride, Mary Louise Foerster.  They were married in September 1956 and had two daughters Debbie and Nancy.  Mary died in 1989 from cancer.

Upon graduation Chuck accepted an engineering position at the Allison Gas Turbine Division of General Motors Corporation.  He worked in Preliminary Design and for several years on solid propellant rocket motor cases for the Minuteman Missiles.  He also worked in the Materials Laboratories where he authorized three patents on high temperature transpiration cooling turbine blades and vanes.  His last several years were spent in the Power and Utilities area as the Powerhouse Mechanical Engineer.  He retired in 1992 after 36 years of service.  Chuck's many interests in life included time with his family taking vacations, home projects and celebrating all the holidays.  And, he documented the events with lots of pictures.  He was called "Kenny Kodak" by the family.  He was also interested in and active Speedway Town operations.  He served on the Recreation Board, Transportation Board, the Police Commission and 15 years on the Speedway Town Council.  He also ran the Speedway Wastewater Treatment Plant for a year.

Chuck was always a faithful member of his Lutheran Church and served in several leadership positions.  He was a member of the Speedway Lions Club for several years and was a member of the American Legion Post 331 in Brownsburg, The Korean War Veterans Association, and the Tin Can Sailors Association.  In recent years he and Joyce have been volunteering at his church's Food Pantry.

1992 was a memorable year for Chuck.  He married Joyce Zeunik in April and a month later he retired from Allison Division of GMC.  Their marriage resulted from two of their good friends bringing them together.  They have enjoyed many years of cruises, traveling, playing golf and just being together and spending time with their two families, splitting their time between Clermont, Florida and Brownsburg, Indiana.

Chuck and Joyce became active in the USS Kidd Association/Desron 48 which was made up of Veterans from nine destroyers which served together during WWII and then the Korean War.  Chuck was elected Commodore and served several years in that position and during that time he and Joyce were co-hosts of four annual reunions in different cities in the country including Indianapolis.  They enjoyed many great experiences with fellow Veterans and developed several long lasting friendships.

In later years Chuck has enjoyed reading books mostly biographies, history and economics.  He also developed an interest in reading about health and nutrition and developing a Vitamin/Supplement regimen for him and Joyce to follow.  Still a country boy at heart, Chuck grew a small garden each year.  He was especially fond of growing tomatoes and at one time was called the "tomato man" of the neighborhood.

In addition to his wife Joyce of 29 years, he is survived by two daughters, Debbie (Wayne) Johnson and Nancy Watson as well as a wonderful grandson, Clark Christian Johnson.  He is also survived by Stepsons Michael (Debbie) Zeunik of Gainesville, FL and Daniel Zeunik of Orlando, FL as well as step grandchildren Shaun, Danielle, Austin and Branden Zeunik; and sisters Kathy Pauline of St. Petersburg, Florida and Marilyn (Larry) Leffler of Floyds Knobs, IN; nieces Michelle (Bill) Kusman and nephew Denny (Patty) Leffler.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm Fri. May 14 at Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 9201 E. CR 100N., Avon, IN 46123, with funeral services at 1 pm.  Entombment will follow at West Ridge Park Cemetery.  Donations may be made to Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, Avon, IN and Zion Lutheran Church, Winter Garden, FL.