Charles E. Rowles Jr.

Charles Rowles, of Vandalia, OH, passed away on the evening of September 3, 2025, with loved ones by his side. Born to Charles Sr and Selma Louise (Knost) Rowles in

Portsmouth, OH, he was the eldest of eight. Preceding him in death are his brothers Michael, William, and Fred as well as his sisters, Andrea and Ruth. He is survived by his loving sister, Phyllis Ratliff, and youngest brother, Tony Knost.

Charles married his teenage sweetheart, Betty (Perry) Rowles on December 31, 1956,

while on holiday leave from the US Navy. They were married for 68 years and had three daughters, Jennifer Tyree, Karen Harrison (John), and Kelly Fleser (Roger), along with six grandchildren, Jennifer, Justin, Ashley, Haley Jo, Lauren and Thomas, and three great- grandchildren, Lucas, Charlotte, and Colin.

Charles was best known for his pleasant nature, work ethic, and dedication to family, both immediate and extended. In his retirement, he could be found working most days in his “office,” tinkering with some forgotten piece of electronic equipment that he thought deserved another chance, or flying in his “flight simulator.” He was always accompanied by one of his beloved four-legged companions, Max, Cooper, Missy, or Homer.

All who knew him described him as dependable, loving, and a “real stand-up guy.” With hundreds of sweet and humorous stories about Charles to share, it will not be hard to keep his memory alive. Still, his steady and loving presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him in return.

Arrangements to be organized by Morton-Whetstone of Vandalia, with services held at Woodland Historic Cemetery and Arboretum in the Tiffany Chapel on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Military honors at the gravesite.