Charley Gowdy

Charley Joe Gowdy, 74, of rural Iola, Kansas, died Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the Allen County Hospital in Iola. Charley was born June 16, 1935, on a ranch near Bristow, Oklahoma, the son of Vernon Leroy and Virgie (Frazier) Gowdy. He graduated from Bristow High School and Coffeyville Junior College. He received his Bachelor Of Science degree and Master's degree in education from Emporia State University. He taught government and coached for 12 years at Emporia High School and then for 21 years at Great Bend High School. After retiring from teaching in 1992, he worked mainly for the Follett Company which bought used school books and restored them for resale. On August 30, 1969, Charley married Diane Dietrich. They moved to rural Iola in 1996. He is listed in the Who's Who among American Teachers and a member of the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Hall Of Fame. SURVIVORS: Wife: Diane Gowdy of the home 3 Sons: Kurt K. Gowdy & wife, Miriam of Olathe, KS, Lynn A. Gowdy & wife, Donna of Bentonville, AR, and Kevin C. Gowdy of Wichita, KS 2 Daughters: Marla L. Poston and Sherri R. Gowdy both of Wichita, KS 2 Brothers: Lavan Gowdy of Amarillo, TX and Vernon Gowdy, Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK 4 Sisters: Marjorie Hill and Lena Dressler both of Bristow, OK, Virgie Jones of Midwest City, OK, and Karen Coleman of Orange Park, FL 8 Grandchildren He was preceded in death by a sister, Grace Smith. Cremation has taken place. MEMORIAL SERVICE: 3:00 p.m., Monday, March 29, 2010, at the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel in Iola. The Chaplain Lloyd W. Houk will officiate. MEMORIAL: Alzheimer's Association Memorial gifts may be left with the Waugh-Yokum & Friskel Memorial Chapel of Iola, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences for the family may be left on this website, www.iolafuneral.com .