Charles Chester Bourne

Charles C. Bourne, age76, passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2007. He was born September 6, 1930 in Danville, Virginia to Charles Chester and Blanche McDowell Bourne. He grew up in Liberty, North Carolina. At the age of 18, he joined the U.S. Air Force. His career took him to Guam, Bermuda, California, the Azores Islands, Nevada, and Texas. He retired with the rank TSgt in 1967, twenty years and 16 days after he enlisted, moving to Orlando, Florida where he and his wife established Elza's Wee Care Nursery. He then earned his BA, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and was employed by the Defense Contract Audit Agency which had an office at Martin Marietta. After earning an MBA, he was employed by the Defense Contract Management Office until his retirement in 1986. Charles was also a Mensa. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Judith Reitzel. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 52 years, Elza; his sister, Mary Ellen Ward of Oak Island NC; his daughters, Mary Poppa (Richard), Helen Schmid (Paul), Janet Smith (John); Linda Bourne Cashion, and son, Vince Bourne. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, and his beloved dog, Peanut. Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, January 26 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home, 895 S.Goldenrod Road, East Orlando. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday January 27, 2007 at 11AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Sea Pines Memorial Gardens in Edgewater, FL. Donations may be made to the Disabled American Vets (www.dav.org).