Charles "Mump" Edward Mumpower

Swannanoa - Charles Edward (“Mump”) Mumpower went to be with his Lord & Savior on Wednesday, September 17th, 2025, surrounded by his wife, children & grandchildren after a brief illness. He was born on August 30th, 1942, in Warne, NC to the late William “Rink” & Lois Ford Mumpower; but grew-up & lived his entire life in Swannanoa, NC. He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Charles (Barlow), Frances & Karen Aiken of Swannanoa; cousin who was more like a brother, Herman Ford of Blairsville, GA; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, & best friends.

Surviving family members include his wife of 63-yrs., Jean Aiken Mumpower; sons, Bryan E. Mumpower (Lisa) & Mark D. Mumpower (Maria) of Swannanoa; daughter, Renée M. Walker (Steve) of Leicester, NC; six grandchildren, Christian Z. Walker (Tiffany) of Black Mtn.; Broghan L. & McKenna D. Mumpower of Swannanoa; Crystal D. Walker (Kenny Henson) & Stephanie W. Luther (Alex) of Asheville, NC; Billy Robinson of Rutherfordton, NC; eight great-grandchildren, Gracie P. Walker, Tyler D. Maltry, Anna Luther, Rylee J. Miller, Kenzie D. Wintle, Allie & AJ Luther, & Blake A. Miller of Asheville, NC; sister, Debra M. Garrett (John) of The Villages, FL; aunt, Sue F. Crittenden of Chelsea, MI; brothers-in-law, Gary W. Aiken of Swannanoa & Keith Aiken of Nebo, NC; niece, Rebecca A. Autrey (Clint) of Swannanoa; nephew, Dustin Aiken (Michele) of St. John’s Island, SC; great nephews, Emerson, Wyatt, & Tucker Autrey of Swannanoa, NC, & Connor Aiken of St. John’s Island, SC; as well as many cousins & close friends that live in NC, VA, GA, & TN who have been more like immediate family.

Charles started working at the age of sixteen for family at Rice’s Gas Station in Swannanoa. After graduating from Charles D. Owen High School in 1960, he attended Kings College in Atlanta, GA, obtaining a Business Administration Associate’s degree. He had various jobs as a computer operator for Beacon Mfg., Olin Mathieson Chemical Corp., Northrop-Grumman, CSI Computer Services, & Mission Hospital. He then went to work for his extended/close family at Penland & Sons Funeral Home in Asheville, NC; opened & operated WNC Transportation; retiring from Beacon Mfg. Co. in 2002; & worked at Penland & Sons Funeral Home before full retirement in 2007.

His life was clearly one of deep faith, enduring love, & meaningful service to his family, community, friends, & strangers. He worked hard for his family, hometown, & built a life of purpose.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Penland Family  Funeral Home located at 125 South Ave., Swannanoa, NC 28778. The family will receive friends from 1:30-3pm on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, with service to follow from 3-4pm at the Swannanoa First Baptist Church. Chaplain Jack Taylor & Pastor Mike Anderson are officiating. Condolences can be made online at www.PenlandFamilyFuneralHome.com.

The family would love to show appreciation to Four Seasons Hospice Care at 211 N. Main Street, Hendersonville, NC 28792. In lieu of flowers, tribute gifts (In Memory of) made to Four Seasons Foundation at www.FourSeasonsFDN.org. 

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