Charles Frederick Bohmann
Charles Frederick Bohmann, aged 91, passed away on November 28, 2023, in Bradenton, FL, formerly residing in Auburn, AL, and Katy, TX.
Born on December 23, 1931, in Queens, NY, to Frank and Anna Bohmann, Charles embarked on a remarkable journey filled with love, community service, and a profound dedication to horticulture. After earning a B.S. degree in marketing from New York University in 1954, Charles married Barbara Ruth James in 1960. Their journey took them briefly to Charleston, SC, and then to Montgomery, AL, where he was transferred to. In 1963, they made Auburn, AL, their home for 47 years.
In Auburn, Charles devoted two decades to managing and opening stores at various locations for W.T. Grant department stores. In 1973, he transitioned to a new role as the fiscal officer and manager of Auburn University’s Student Health Center, serving for over 21 years until his retirement in 1995. Actively engaged in the community, church, and horticulture, Charles and Barbara shared a passion that led them to join the Garden Club of Alabama in 1961 and The Perry Garden Club in Auburn in 1963, where they remained active members until their move to Katy, TX, in February 2010.
In 1968, Charles served as the Auburn Chamber of Commerce president. His outstanding service at Auburn University’s medical center was recognized in 1993 by the Southern College Health Association (SCHA), awarding him the association’s first Distinguished Service Award, which was named in his honor. He later served as SCHA president from 1994-1995. In 2009, the Auburn University Barbara and Charles Endowed Professorship in Horticulture was established, honoring their lifelong commitment to the advancement and enjoyment of horticulture.
Preceded in death by his siblings Frank George Henry Bohmann, George Adolf Bohmann, and Doris Amalia Grosch, and his wife Barbara Ruth Bohmann, Charles is fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, and 24 great and great-great nieces and nephews. Active members of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Auburn, Charles, and Barbara significantly contributed to the community ministry.
A memorial service honoring Charles is scheduled for January 15, 2023, at 1:00 pm at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 Church Drive, Auburn, AL 36830. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to either the Barbara and Charles Bohmann Endowed Fund for Excellence, Department of Horticulture, 105 Comer Hall, Auburn University, AL 36849, or Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 100 Church Drive, Auburn, AL 36830. Charles’s legacy of kindness, service, and love for horticulture will undoubtedly continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing him.
