David Wayne Bowles

David Wayne Bowles was born on June 26, 1967 in Alva, OK to Troy and Becky Bowles. When David was two, the family made the move to Forgan, OK. This would be where David’s roots were planted, where he grew up, and where he chose to come back several years ago.

David had an incredible childhood and loved the freedoms of small town living. He was inquisitive, intelligent, and had a wicked sense of humor. He was an excellent student, an athlete, and was active in Boy Scouts, achieving the honor of Eagle Scout. David graduated from Forgan High School as valedictorian in 1985.

David attended NWOSU in Alva, soon transferring to OU in Norman, OK. While at OU, David began working at Brother’s Pub on campus corner. He loved the camaraderie, the excitement, and the goal of pleasing the patrons. Thus, his love for serving the public in food and beverage began and David left college and worked his way into management.

David went to work for Outback Steakhouse. He was hired as manager and excelled in that position. David was entrusted to open new restaurants in Lincoln, NE, Springdale, AR, and Tulsa, OK.

David married Rebecca Kozak on July 27, 1996 and made their home in Tulsa, OK.

In 1998, while working at Outback, David faced a gunman during an attempted robbery. He received three bullet wounds, forever changing the trajectory of David’s life. David fought his way back, though not without challenges.

The biggest light and best accomplishment arrived on February 18, 1999. His daughter, Olivia, was born. Olivia became David’s inspiration and purpose for living. He was so very proud watching her graduate as a merit scholar, march in the OU band, and most recently begin medical school.

David worked many jobs as his health began to decline. Some of these include Dillon’s grocery, Prairie Fire Coffee, Five Star Bar & Grill, and McAlister’s Deli. He grew treasured friendships at each of these and eventually moved back to Forgan to work alongside his lifelong friend, Rodney Albert.

David was a passionate fan of all OU Sooner sports, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. He rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy and enjoyed online gaming.

David passed away on September 8, 2025.

David was preceded in death by his brothers, Travis Bowles and Mike Cassingham, and grandparents Charles and Frances Bowman, Hugh and Pauline Bowles, mother-in-law Edna Shoeman.

Survivors include his daughter, Olivia Bowles (Jacob Robinett), Oklahoma City, OK; parents Allan and Becky Classen, Liberal, KS, Troy and Donna Bowles, Beaver, OK, father-in-law Ron (Donna) Kozak, Oklahoma City, OK; siblings Justine (Tim) McFarland, Edmond, OK, Shannon (Gordon) Enns, Inman, KS, Amber (Ben) Holguin, Mound Ridge, KS, Gary (Cindi) Cassingham, Blanchard, OK, numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins; and notably Rebecca Bordwine, Elizabeth Newby, Rodney Albert, Loren Brown, Billy Weatherby, the Concord Drive Crew, and the Fat Guy Club.

To honor David, reach out to your friends and catch up. Let the ones you love know how you feel. Boomer Sooner!

Services for David will be held on September 27, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Forgan, OK at 1:00 pm.