John Charles Bowser

February 14, 1943 - April 24, 2024

John Charles “Charlie” Bowser, 81, passed away on April 24, 2024, in Bakersfield, CA.

John was born in Camden, New Jersey on February 14, 1943. As a young child, he moved to Bakersfield with his mother Anna and his older brothers Walter Jr. and Bobby, after the death of their father, Walter Sr. 

After graduating from Bakersfield High School, John entered the United States Navy in 1960. He was Honorably Discharged in 1964. 

John had a passion for drag racing that began in high school and continued until his passing, at which time he was President of Operations at Famoso Dragstrip. 

John was preceded in death by his mother and brothers. He is survived by his family that includes his three children, Deborah, Blake, and his spouse Annika, Stefanie and her spouse Mike, their mother Linda, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and his companion for the last five years, Roxan. John will always be remembered as someone who never met a stranger, always had a smile on his face and had the uncanny ability to see someone that he knew wherever he went.

Memorial services for John Bowser will be held on May 29, 2024, at The Bakersfield National Cemetery. Services will start promptly at 12:30 and they are open to everyone. 

In lieu of flowers, the Bowser Family would appreciate a tax-deductible donation to Hoffmann Hospice at: HoffmannHospice.org