Charles Pike Rowan

Charles Pike Rowan was born Nov. 15, 1933 to Bess and John Rowan on his grandmother’s farm outside of Cassville, Mo. He was raised in Tulsa, Okla., and graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1952.

Charles served in the U.S. Army in Germany from 1953 to 1955. He attended Oklahoma State University, and then proceeded to the prestigious New York Institute of Photography, where he graduated in 1959. He pursued a career in commercial photography specializing in advertising, and worked for many years for Studio Group 4. His portfolio includes work for many recognizable brands including Sears, Roebuck & Co., 7-Up, Ragu, Duncan-Hines, Vera and Sesame Street.

In 1976, Charles moved to southern California, living in Huntington Beach, Laguna Hills and Fallbrook. For the past 10 years he has been employed at Extra Space Storage. He loved good food, good friends and a good laugh. Charles was never on time for anything, but once there, would savor the event and leave a lasting impression. His kindness, generosity and great sense of humor will be greatly missed.

Charles passed away July 31, 2013 in Escondido, Calif. He is survived by his companion, Doris Robinson of Fallbrook. He is also survived by his sister, Sovenia Jane Murray; his nieces, Constance Murray and Helen Beth O’Neal, and his nephew James Murray, Jr., all of Tulsa, Okla.

Interment will be in Exeter, Mo. near his birthplace, next to his parents and among many aunts, uncles and cousins.