Russell Chesson Bowen

Russell Chesson Bowen, 78, of Kannapolis, NC, died at his residence on Friday, November 21, 2014. A native of Martin County, NC, Russell was born March 23, 1936, in Bear Grass, NC, a son of the late Grover and Lillie Chesson Bowen. He was a US Army veteran and retired from Carolina Telephone & Telegraph as division construction foreman in Kinston, NC, where he and his wife raised their family. Russell was also a member of the Telephone Pioneers. He attended Lenoir Community College and East Carolina University. He was active in the Boy Scouts of America for over 20 years and earned the Silver Beaver Award. Russell was a member of Central Baptist Church in Kannapolis, NC. In addition to his parents Mr. Bowen was preceded in death by his brothers, Danny and Monk. Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Myrtle Ann Nicholson Bowen of Kannapolis, NC; son, Russell Nicholson (Nick) Bowen of Faith, NC; daughter, Peggy LouAnn Lester and husband, Michael; grandchildren, Grace Ann, Bowen and Kristal Lester all of Bunn, NC. A service to celebrate Russell's life will be held Monday, November 24, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, Kannapolis, NC, with the family receiving friends beginning at 6:00 p.m. A graveside committal will be in Woodlawn Cemetery in Williamston, NC, on Tuesday, November 25, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the Charity of the Donor's choice. Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington, Charlotte, NC (online condolences www.hankinsandwhittington.com).