
Charles Edward “Chuck” Bowlin was born April 7, 1949 in Tulsa, OK to Robert Emmitt & Francis Ann (Wackenhuth) Bowlin and passed away quietly at his home on March 19, 2018 at the age of 68.
Chuck graduated from Nathan Hale High School in 1967, then graduated from the University of Tulsa in 1972 with a degree in Music Education. He returned to Nathan Hale H.S. as Band Director for six years, the beginning of a 46 year high school teaching career. Following a two-year tenure as Band Director at Collinsville H.S. Chuck spent 21 years at Catoosa transitioning from the music department to teaching science full time. While at Catoosa Chuck was active in the leadership of the Catoosa Classroom Teachers’ Association and served for many years as volunteer faculty sponsor of the Student Council. He then taught science at Eastern Hills H.S. in Ft. Worth for 11 years and Broken Arrow H.S. for a further 5 years. At both Eastern Hills and Broken Arrow he was again active as volunteer sponsor of various student organizations.
Chuck played upright string bass throughout his life. He played with the Tulsa Philharmonic Orchestra for several seasons in the 1970s and continued to play holiday performances with churches around the Tulsa area.
Since 2005 Chuck was a volunteer counselor each summer for Sea Camp sponsored by Texas A&M University-Galveston.
Chuck is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Cynthia Ann (Bowlin) Fields; and his nephew, Jefrey Fields. He is survived by his wife, Debra Jean (Owen) Bowlin; his sons and their wives, Robert E. Bowlin, Richard E. & Ami Bowlin, and Randall E. & Addie Bowlin; his brother and sister-in-law, Craig Thomas & Cheryl Bowlin; his four grandchildren, Kaleb, Joseph, Emma and Aubrey; and his nephews, Daniel Forrest and Robert Fields.
Chuck will lie in state 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday with the family receiving friends from 5:00-7:00 p.m. and a memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Monday, all at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home and Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made “IMO Charles Bowlin for Sea Camp Scholarships” at: TAMU-Galveston, ATTN: Development Office-Alice, PO Box 1675, Galveston, TX 77553
RIP Mr. Bowlin. My experiences in marching, concert, and jazz band helped shaped the professional bassist I am today. Thank you for being there in those formative years.
Lynn Seaton Hale '75
I had the privilege of knowing Chuck for a little over a decade. He was the finest man that I ever knew. While working with him at Eastern Hills High School, I saw many many times where he would go out of his way to ensure that any student who needed help, got that help from him. It is a blessing to be able to call him a friend. He will be truly missed by many, but hundreds of lives of his students will be so much better just for knowing him. Rest in peace Chuck...Hopefully, when you tell God one of your jokes, you won't have to explain it to him.
Tommy Taylor
My condolences to the family for your loss. Though we only knew each other for a few years long before we had become the men we would be (we in our teens, he in his twenties), I and my friends deeply appreciated his passion and commitment to us in band, as well as the grace he showed us for our immaturity. (Hey, we were just 16!) We have all seen burned-out professionals just going through the motions, doing just enough to keep their job rather than do their job. That was NOT Mr. Bowlin as I knew him! He was ALL IN and passionately engaged with his role and with us. I thank you, his family, for sharing him with us. MW
Mark Whitesell
TEACHERS LIVE FOREVER IN THE HEARTS THEY TOUCH. Chuck was a gentle giant of a man, a great friend, a teacher, a musician, a lover of music, a photographer, a husband, a father, a story teller, a jokester, a computer whiz and an appreciator of good shrimp gumbo. Almost every summer since 2005, Chuck drove his pickup all the from BA,Oklahoma to Galveston, Texas to volunteer as a counselor for Texas A&M Sea Camp. Chuck quickly become a part of the Sea Camp family and was a huge help to all the instructors. Chuck was well liked by his fellow teachers and loved by his Sea Camp students. We all benefitted from knowing Chuck Bowlin. He is already greatly missed. Robert Mihovil Photography Instructor Texas A&M University Sea Camp
Robert Mihovil
I send my prayers to the family in your lost of your loved one. He was so nice and kind to me. He spoke to me when I saw him. I will truly miss him and his smile. Michele Howell
Michele Howell
I will be forever grateful to have marched in the HMH and was in Wind Ensemble while Mr. B was at Hale. As the daughter of a band director, it was an honor to have learned and worked and stretched myself under his tremendous leadership. He was funny, kind, and very nice about my shortcomings on the French Horn and oboe, which no doubt were legion. And in one of those really random chances, we ended up as indirect relatives-- through my cousin Patti's son Daniel. I am so grateful that he was my band director--he challenged me to do things I never thought I could do. Blessings and love to the the entire family.
Christine Draughon Wantland-HMH 1978
Giving thanks to God for the good life of Chuck Bowlin. I am grateful to have been part of his Marching band at Nathan Hale High School. My love and prayers are with The family and all who loved him. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Kelley Wehmeyer Shin
RIP Mr. Bowlin. I have many fond memories of my times in High School and HMH.
Sharon (Schlosser) Bailey - HMH 1978
So sad to learn of Chuck's passing. The Bowlins of my generation didn't stay in touch very well. I remember when I was young we had family reunions from time to time. I miss those days. Thought that when I retired later this year I would continue to work on genealogy research and connect with relatives. Chuck died too young. I wish I had connected sooner. In case my name is not immediately familiar, my Dad is Gene Bowlin, son of Jay and Bernice Bowlin. My Dad and Chuck's Dad were first cousins. Jay is a brother to Forest. Sorry Dad and I missed the funeral. We learned about it too late. I pray for comfort for the family. If you ever want to talk about the Bowlin roots and share old memories, I live in Tulsa. 3311 S. Toledo Pl., Tulsa, OK 74135. Cell phone: 918-230-3558. My brother Ron lives in Iowa. My Dad is 89, soon to be 90. He is doing pretty good for his age. God's peace and love to you, Vicki Bowlin
Vicki Bowlin
Chuck was so talented and his love of music was shared with the Nathan Hale class of ‘67. I was fortunate to know him then and share band experiences at that time. He has touched so many lives and will live forever in our hearts. Prayers go out to his family.
Tommye Jo Smith Coleman
The highlight of my Nathan Hale High School years was one playing in one of the ensembles. Show tunes, marches and big band jazz from then remain in my playlist. I am praying for your family.
Daniel Stricker
The man, The myth, a true gentle giant. He was me band director, science teacher, and most important to me my vocal coach. He lit a fire in me for a love of music. he always called me Ms Nyikos. and allowed me to call him Mr B. he has touched so many lives. And will be missed. prayers to the family in this time. May the Angels sing his praises as he fly’s away.
Bobbie (Nyikos) Robar
So shocked and saddened by your loss. Maybe you and Ron are sitting in your lounge chairs waving at us. I know I miss that and talking to you and Ron. Sorry for your loss Bowlin family. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you. Chuck will be missed.
shane blackstock
Our heartfelt condolences to the Bowlin family, from the family of a BA AP Chemistry student. Prayers for strength and peace in his passing, with love and joy in his memory.
The Denney Family
I'll never forget all you did for my family over the years. You were a good man and you'll live on in your children, your grandchildren, and the memories and hearts of those who loved you. Fly high, rest easy, and enjoy a drink with my Dad. <3
Amy McDonald-Herrmann
My thoughts and prayers are with Chucks family. Thank you for sharing him with is down here in Texas. He was an invaluable mentor and teacher to his students and colleagues. My son and I will also miss sharing corney jokes with him.
Misty
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Bowlin. He was truly a great educator who impacted the life of our daughter in an unforgettable way. Prayers for comfort for his wife and family. We’ll miss hearing Mr Bowlin stories from our daughter every day.
Keno and Jamie Shrum