Michael Frank Bowen's Obituary
Michael “Mike” Frank Bowen departed for his heavenly home Friday, December 27th, 2024, surrounded by family.
He was born on October 3, 1960, in Bartlesville, OK, to Jerri and Frank Bowen. He was their only child. He moved to Tulsa while in the fifth grade. He graduated from Hale High School and attended Garnett Road Baptist Church where he was very active in his youth group. There he met Tammy, who he invited to the church Valentine banquet for their very first date. He was 16 and she was 17. They attended OSU together, married in 1981 and moved back to Tulsa to start their family. The two were inseparable and a true testament of love. Mike and Tammy welcomed their two sons, Matthew and Drew. Mike was very present in his boys’ lives, sharing his love of sports, his faith and family with them.
Mike spent most of his working years as an accountant and was a math whiz. He loved the Lord and was very involved in teaching youth Sunday School classes and serving as a deacon. He took his family to church with him and showed them how to grow to know the Lord in a personal way. He was the best example of a loving, kind person and was loved by many.
Mike played Strat-O-Matic baseball with men from all over the country for more than 30 years and developed close friendships with his fellow baseball fanatics. He was an avid golfer and loved spending a day on the course, often with a son or two joining him. Mike and Tammy enjoyed frequent vacations to California – riding bikes along Newport Beach, and New York City – enjoying Broadway shows and baseball games. Mike found a new love later in life, welcoming two granddaughters. He was very involved in their lives – always making them laugh and spoiling them whenever possible.
Mike will be remembered by all as a loving husband, father, grandfather (Poppy) and friend. To some he was shy and reserved, but those who knew him best knew how funny and witty he was. He could entertain everyone with his impersonations, jokes -he loved to make others smile. He was a rock for his family, always setting the example of a man who was patient, resilient and guided by faith.
We are comforted knowing that his body is now whole and free of disease in heaven with the Lord.
Mike is survived by his wife, Tammy, two sons, Matt and his wife Shelby and their daughters Avery (age 3) and Lottie (age 1), and Drew and his girlfriend Addie, his father-in-law, Tom Stewart, two sisters-in-law Cindy and her husband Craig, and Shelley and her husband Robert, along with nieces, nephews, cousins, aunt and uncles. He has many family members in his extended family on both sides and many friends he has always considered part of his family too. He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank, and Jerri Bowen.
There will be a family viewing on Thursday, January 2nd, at Floral Haven funeral home in Broken Arrow at 4pm and a public visitation from 5-7 pm. His celebration of life will be on Friday, January 3rd, at 10:00AM at Southwood Baptist church in Tulsa, followed by gravesite service and a family meal at the church. Darrin McKnight will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate in his honor to the American Diabetes Association.
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?