Charles Bowersett

Charles F. Bowersett VIRGINIA BEACH - Charles F. Bowersett, 92, of Atlantic Shores Retirement Center, passed away May 6, 2010 in Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. Born Sept. 21, 1917, he was raised on a small farm in Rappahannock County, Virginia where he attended a one-room schoolhouse and went on to graduate valedictorian from Rappahannock High School. A graduate of the Virginia Polytechnic Institute Class of 1940, he received a degree in mechanical engineering. He enjoyed a 33-year career with the Navy, retiring in 1974 as the director of the Mechanical Engineering Division at the Naval Ordnance Laboratory in White Oak, Md. Along with his wife, Mary Minor, he enjoyed many happy years of retirement, traveling and vacationing at his beloved Owl Island in Maine. After moving to Virginia Beach in 1996, he remained active, serving as a docent at The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center and helping to provide bikes for the homeless through the Urban Ministries committee of his church. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, woodworking and family gatherings. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Minor Settle; son, James and spouse Sue; daughter, Jane Hobart and spouse Bruce; son, John and spouse Dianne Goldian; daughter, Julie and spouse Kirby Griffis; as well as seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, May 14, at 11 a.m. in Virginia Beach United Methodist Church, 19th Street and Pacific Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the church.