Charles Edward (Ed) Stowell, 76, of Blue Springs, Mo., passed away Jan. 25, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. Ed was born in Independence, Mo., on September 10, 1939. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ira and Lorine Stowell, and a brother, Dan. Ed is survived by his wife Judy of the home, his children: Terry (Glenda) Stowell of Liberty, Mo., Shari Kretzschmer of Louisville, Ky., and Tammy Stowell of Blue Springs, Mo.; his step-children: Rhonda (Cliff) O’Geay of Lee’s Summit, Mo. and Rick (Krissi) Manes of Independence, Mo.; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his maternal aunt, Ruth Hobson of Richland, Wash., his sister Betty Avery of Oak Grove, Mo., and brothers Robert Stowell of Humansville, Mo., and John Lyndon Stowell of Parkville, Mo., as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Ed was a member of the Masonic Lodge #76 of Independence, Mo., and a member of the Ararat Shrine Temple of Kansas City. As a Shriner, he helped create a telemedicine unit for children while also chairing the Hospital Transportation Club for the Shrine, where he was responsible for transporting hundreds of children and their families to Shrine hospitals across the country. He was also a member of the Blue Springs Shrine Club.
Additionally, Ed served proudly in the US Air Force, worked in numerous positions including Fire Chief for Lake City Army Ammunition Plant from where he retired, and became an avid aerial and underwater photographer. He was also a Master Gardener for Powell Gardens. Earlier in life, he trained both horses and bird dogs to compete in field trials.
An avid hunter, gardener, photographer, and learner, Ed received a degree in Occupational Safety and Health. But ultimately, Ed was “Dad.” Ed loved life, family, and service to others. He will be remembered by generations as a kind and generous soul who worked to expand his sphere of influence for the purpose of helping others.
Memorial services will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016 at Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, Mo., 64029. Visitation will be at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to Grace Hospice, 9233 Ward Parkway, Suite 201, Kansas City, Mo. 64114.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, 100 Royer Lane, Grain Valley, MO 64029 816-847-4441