David was born in Oklahoma City, OK . After graduating from Capitol Hill High School David joined the United States Air Force in 1957 and received an Honorable Discharge in 1961. He attended Oklahoma State University, and received an Associate Degree in Fire Protection Technology. He joined the Oklahoma City Fire Department in 1967 and retired as a Major in 1997.

In 1993 he married Patsy who also worked at the Oklahoma City Fire Department. They were married for 32 years at the time of his passing. Together they enjoyed traveling, went on eight cruises, bought a Fifth Wheel and traveled throughout the country with four other firefighter couples, and bought a lake house at Arbuckle Lake, Sulphur, OK.

David was a member of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team during the Murrah Building Bombing in 1995, a member of the Oklahoma City Fire Department Honor Guard, a member of the Hazardous Materials Response Team, Board Member of the Oklahoma City Firefighters Local 157, and President of the Oklahoma State Retired Firefighters Association for a year. He was a Board Member of the Municipal Employees Credit Union for over 30 years He was also a Board Member of the Five Lakes Homeowners Association at Arbuckle Lake, Sulphur, OK for many years.

David is survived by his spouse, Patsy, step-son Larry Johnson, grandsons, Rian Drew and spouse Trinh Drew, Brock Johnson, and Wesley Drew, granddaughters Brooke and spouse Stephen, Tyleena Smith, and four great grandsons. He was preceded in death by his daughter Melody Bowman, step-daughter Jodi Lee, and brothers Leonard and Don Bowman.

David will be remembered for his infectious smile, witty personality, and ability to always make people laugh. Also, the best grandpa a kid could ever ask for.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Oklahoma State Firefighters Memorial Fund, 2716 N.E. 50, Oklahoma City, OK 73111