David William Bowell

On Sunday, September 22, 2024, David William Bowell went home to be with his Savior. David was born on July 1, 1936, in LaPorte, Indiana. He was an outstanding student and a star on the football and track teams. He also excelled in music and was a school leader. Upon graduation, he attended Wheaton College and played football.

In the summer of 1957, he married his high school sweetheart, Dale Dolores Burkhardt, and their life journey of 67 years began. He eventually graduated from Murray State University, where he was captain of the ROTC army unit, among many other leadership activities. After college graduation, he took a position as a teacher and coach in the Galena Township, LaPorte County, Indiana, school system. Within a year, he would become principal as well. In 1961, he left education for a short period to take on his duty as an officer in the United States Army and eventually achieved the rank of captain. Upon honorably departing the army, he began his life journey of Christian ministry with Youth for Christ. Then, he started two Christian schools and led five others over a span of 20 years in the states of Indiana, Ohio, Florida, and Wisconsin. Today, David is considered one of the pioneers of the Christian school movement. He also had the privilege of serving as a White House appointee in both the Reagan and George HW Bush administrations for the United States Department of Education. He was elected to the Indianapolis public school board in 1980 and was bestowed the honor of Sagamore of the Wabash in 1988. Also, along his life journey, he was privileged to serve as a special assistant to Indiana Governor Robert Orr and an economic development specialist for Indiana Lieutenant Governor John Mutz. Upon retirement in 2005, David enjoyed traveling, attending his grandchildren's sporting events, and rooting for the Colts, Cubs, and the Miami Redhawks. He was a senior state champion swimmer as a member of the Indy Aquatics Masters club. But most of all, he was a prayer warrior for his family and friends.

David joins his father and mother, William and MaryEllen Bowell, mother-in-law Viola Burkhardt Potter, brother-in-law Bruce Burkhardt, sister Martha Bowell Bennett, and grandson Blake Bowell in Heaven. Left to carry on his love and legacy are his wife, Dale D. Bowell, and daughter, Debbie Bowell Lieberman (Dennis). Son, David Mark Bowell (Kris). Grandchildren: David Lieberman, Lakin Bowell Khamis (Billy), DJ Lieberman, Max Roberts, and Jack Roberts. Sister Sue Bowell Smith (Roger), brother Dan Bowell (Jane), brother-in-law John Bennett, and brother Steve Bowell (Julie). Further, brother-in-law Jerry Burkhardt, sister-in-law Betty Burkhardt, sister-in-law Diana Burkhardt Bartnick Schmidt (Nolan), brother-in-law Ross Burkhardt (Gloria), and 17 nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Redeemer Presbyterian Church of Indianapolis.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 27, 2024, in Lauck Veldhof Funeral Home, 1458 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, Indiana. Visitation is 10:30 am, Service 1:30 pm, and Burial with Military Honors will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the BlakeStrong Bowell Fund. BlakeStrong.org.

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