Charles Eugene "Danny" Stow

Charles Eugene "Danny" Stow was born on Valentine's Day, 1943 in Gainesville, Georgia,  and died peacefully at his home with his family on Thursday, January 20, 2022, (while a Huey helicopter flew him up  to heaven).  Danny had a very unique, happy, courageous,  patriotic,  and colorful life.  Nobody could tell a Vietnam story better than he could.

Many have asked how "Danny" got his name.  His brother, Douglas Stow, couldn't pronounce Charles, so he started calling him Danny and the name continued.

Danny was born and grew up in Gainesville as a typical kid. He rode his bike all over town, but the best part, his father, Doc Stow, owned a model hobby shop.  Danny became quite proficient in building model airplanes and he continued to enjoy this hobby throughout his life. 

He attended two years of high school at Gainesville High School, transferred to Georgia Military College and graduated in 1961.  He remained at GMC for his first two years of college.  He was always supportive of his alma mater and the many friends he made while at GMC, and kept in contact them throughout the years.  He continued his education at the University of Georgia, and upon graduation was immediately commissioned a 2nd Lt.   He also holds two additional degrees from Brenau College.  His highest military education included  the Command and General Staff College.

Danny met his future wife, Diane Christison at the Dairy Queen (Brazier) in September 1966 before beginning his military career. Danny's patriotism and love for his country was life-long.  He volunteered to go to Vietnam  in 1967.  Although he was in the Army, he was assigned to the Third Marine Division in Dong Ha.   During this time, Danny and Diane married in Hawaii while he was on R & R in November of 1967.

During his military career, Danny served at various military Bases and Posts, including Charleston, Air Force Base where he was the Liaison Officer for the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines.  From there, CPT. Stow was assigned to Ft. Eustis, Virginia, as the S-4 for the Transportation Brigade.  Because the war was still continuing in 1971, Danny once again volunteered to return to Vietnam.  This time, he was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Camp Evans.  The military honors he was most proud of were his Bronze Star Medals with 1st Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star.

By the time, he finished his military obligation, he briefly joined his father in the Doc Stow Marine boat sales business.  Due to  health issues, Danny retired from Stow Southeastern, a food service equipment and supply company, in 2005.

While in Vietnam, Danny was exposed to Agent Orange that would alter his health later in life.  Throughout all of his many medical conditions, Danny never complained, and amazingly returned to his many activities.  At this time, he was known as Lazarus because of his resilience through so many medical complications. 

Danny served the Gainesville community throughout his life.  He volunteered and supported his boys in scouting, youth sport leagues, high school sports, band programs, and was an avid participant with his wife at many Chi Omega functions at Brenau College.  Danny was a loyal member of the Gainesville Elks Club and the American Legion where he was responsible for the 4th of July fireworks program for Gainesville for many years.

Danny was a dedicated member of St.  Michael Catholic Church, where he served as an extraordinary minister, and was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.  He enjoyed participating in the many activities of the church, and one could always count on him for whatever was needed.

Danny was preceded in death by his parents, D. C. "Doc" and Lina Stow, his infant son, Charles Bryan Stow,  and his in-laws, Thomas and  Dorothy Christison.

Danny is survived by his wife of 54 years, Diane Christison Stow, his sons, Corby Stow (Denise), Andrew Stow (Sonia), grandchildren: Carter, Collin, Julia, Griffin, Claire, and Avery Stow, all of Gainesville, Georgia.   He is also survived by his brother, Douglas Stow (Marcia),  Anderson, South Carolina, his brother in law, Pete Christison, of Vermont, sister in  law, Kristin "Cricket" White of Gainesville, his beloved dogs, Jasper and Murphy, nieces, a nephew,  and many additional family members and dear friends.

A funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, January 27, 2022 at St. Michael's Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at 10:00 a.m.  A reception will follow the Mass at the church.  A private graveside service will be held on Friday at Alta Vista.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that memorial contributions please be made to St. Michael Catholic Church or St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1440 Pearce Circle, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 in memory of Mr. Stow.

The Stow family wishes to extend their thanks and love to the many doctors, caregivers, friends, and family who have been supportive beyond measure throughout Danny's many health challenges.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 is in charge of arrangements.

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