David Scott Kowals

David Scott Kowals, age 59, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025. He was born on January 17, 1966, in Alamogordo, New Mexico, to John and Mary (Strickland) Kowals. As the youngest of six boys in an Air Force family, David spent his early years moving frequently before the family eventually settled in Oklahoma during his elementary school years.

David graduated from Northeast High School and later attended Central State University, proudly part of its final graduating class before it became the University of Central Oklahoma. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Communications with a minor in Business Administration.

Throughout his career, David worked for several sign companies and was most recently employed at Metro Signs, where he was known for his dedication to his clients and his craft.

David had a deep love for home improvement projects—though he would be the first to admit they didn’t always go as planned. He enjoyed spending time in his garden and was happiest at the beach, especially in Panama City, where he created countless summer memories with his family.

A true sports enthusiast, David loved playing tennis and golf in his younger years and was a passionate fan of OU football and Thunder basketball. He had a playful, ornery spirit, a sharp sense of humor, and was famously stubborn in the most endearing ways. He had a deep appreciation for music, particularly 70s and 80s rock, which played as the soundtrack to many moments in his life.

David was preceded in death by his parents, John Kowals and Mary Hightower; his brothers, Ron Kowals, Tom Kowals, and Larry Kelley; his son-in-law, Jared Burdick; and his girlfriend, Lyne Wheeler.

He is survived by his daughter, Lauren Burdick; his son, Johnanthan Kowals; and his adopted son, Dyllon Wheeler. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Elijah, Emerson, and Ethan Burdick; his brothers, Jim Kowals, John Kowals, and Rick Kowals; his best friend of 38 years, Jana Kowals; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at a later date.