Remembering Freddie

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, Freddie L. Bowens answered God's call at the age of 77 years, 10 months, and 21 days after a long and fulfilling life.

That life began on August 26, 1947, in Wyatt, Missouri, with Freddie's birth to Louise Bowens and Paul Harris. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings: Hattie Mae Meachan, Willie C. Mack, Thelma Hanna, Debra Kay Dennis, Sherman Bowens, Ronald Bowens, Collis Green, and Willie Harris.

Freddie grew up in Charleston, Missouri, and graduated from Charleston High School in 1968. While in high school, he was an active member of the track team. He continued his education at Lincoln University and Kent State University.

In 1969, Freddie entered the United States Army and was awarded a Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1971. Throughout his life, Freddie worked in various jobs, including as an insurance agent, head cook at the Menard Correctional Facility, and head cook at Southern Illinois University (SIU). He remained at SIU until his retirement in 2009.

Freddie was known for being a loving and generous man. He had a keen sense of fashion and was always a sharp dresser. He enjoyed fishing, cooking, listening to music, and shopping at thrift stores. Freddie also took great pride in decorating his home and had a wonderful sense of interior design. Those who knew him could attest to his love of watching football and basketball. Freddie was an avid fan of the Los Angeles Lakers and the Kansas City Chiefs. Freddie especially cherished the time spent with his lifelong friends—Joe Lee, Larry, and Troy. The four of them would cook, watch sports together, and enjoy each other's company until the early hours of the morning. It was a common occurrence for friends and loved ones to seek his sage counsel.

Freddie leaves to cherish his memory his family -- son Carlos Hemphill of Jackson, Missouri; his daughter Shonda Hemphill (Leo) of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; his granddaughter Taleeya Hart of Herrin, Illinois; his grandsons Kaiden and Keshon Cox of Cape Girardeau; his sister Ruby Harris of Minneapolis, Minnesota; along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Freddie will be dearly missed by all, but we take comfort and celebrate the fact that he is no longer in pain but is instead amidst the glory of his heavenly father.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Opportunity Church of God in Christ, 608 West Cypress Street, Charleston, MO.

Interment with full military honors will be at 1:00 p.m., Monday, July 14, 2025, at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield, MO.

McMikle Funeral Home of Charleston is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be shared at www.mcmiklefuneralhome.com.