Charles Norman Vowinkel, a 43 year Ocala, resident, died peacefully while surrounded by his loving family, on August 15, 2021.
Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, with his identical twin brother Russell and sister Carol. Charles is survived by his wife of 59 years and best friend, Mary Ellen. They were blessed with a daughter, Michele (Peter husband), and two sons, John and Paul (Kristi wife). Their children further blessed Charles and Mary Ellen with seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Charles devoted himself to God, his family, and his country. He instilled patriotic values at home and beamed with pride about Michele’s service in the Navy and John and Paul’s Army service.
Charles protected his family and others through his decades of law enforcement service. He served as the Chief of Police in Belleview, an investigator with the Florida State Attorney’s Office, a Florida State Probation officer, and was a sworn deputy with the Marion County Sheriff’s office. Charles relished teaching as a rangemaster in both firearms and driving and taught criminal justice courses at the College of Central Florida. He was an Eagle Scout, Master of his Masonic Lodge in Buffalo, Theta Chi President, and an ordained Elder at Fort King Presbyterian Church. Charles will be remembered fondly for his sense of humor, unfailing courtesy, humility, and kindness to all he met.
A visitation will be held at Ocala First United Methodist Church, 1126 E Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala, FL 34470 on Friday, August 20, 2021, from 6-8pm. A funeral will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Ocala, 511 SE 3rd St, Ocala, FL 34471 on Saturday, August 21, 2021, at 2pm. Interment will take place at Highland Memorial Park, following the service. In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to a local hospice of your choice or a local cancer society of your choice.