David Harold Bowls, 81, passed away from this world into His

Presence on May 7, 2021. He was born on November 13, 1939, the fourth of seven children, to Lester and Annie (Roberts) Bowls, in North Little Rock, Arkansas. In response to the job opportunities with the

Manhattan Project, the family moved to Richland in 1945. From an early age, he learned to become self sufficient, from his acquired knack to

create and build, and from the hard work ethic that was instilled in him by his father. He graduated from Columbia High School (Richland) in 1958.

He married Ofelia Pedraza on February 20, 1959, and moved to San Diego, California. While in San Diego, David learned the skill of auto body repair, replacement, and alignment. After spending four years in San Diego, they returned to Richland to stay. To support his young

family, he often worked two jobs, commonly taking only half a day off per week.  Even with his hectic work schedule, he somehow found ways to spend time with Ofelia and his sons.

He further combined his work ethic and skill with his longing to serve the community, as reflected by his career with the Richland Fire Department, “Saving lives and Fighting Fires”, while rising to the

position of Battalion Chief before retiring in 1980. During his 15 year tenure with the Richland Fire Department, he simultaneously owned and operated a successful auto body business, then worked as an auto body repairman and appraiser for P & K Auto Body. Finally, before his

retirement from the Richland Fire Department, David began the task of creating and building a successful storage unit business.  This business, David and Sons Mini-Storage, was one of the first storage unit

businesses in the Tri-Cities, and have served tenants and the public for more than 42 years.

His wanting to be active was also reflected in his personal life.  Not being one to homestead, he would somehow find the time and the

resources to venture outdoors with his family and friends.  The ventures were numerous:  Freshwater fishing at Potholes Reservoir; water skiing on the Columbia River; camping up in the Wenatchee National Forest near the Little Naches River; open ocean fishing outside Ilwaco;

snowmobiling in the mountains in the winter; taking an extended double boat vacation with Ofelia, good friend Mark Stratton, and his family up the west coast and Canadian coast; fun times with friends while

engaging in large scale storage unit projects (yes, it was fun!); flying his ultralyte with friends; shrimping and oystering in Hood Canal; crabbing on the waters within San Juan County; or, in latter times, traveling the four corners of the United States on his motorcycle to visit family in

California, Florida, and Maryland; and taking Ofelia to the Oregon Coast, beautiful New England in the fall, learning Polynesian Culture in Hawaii, taking in the sights and dining on local fare in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, or taking multiple road trips to visit family on the east coast.

And through it all, he has given himself to those in need, and never hestitated to give an invitation to bring friends and family in whatever he did, and wherever he went.  He has learned so much, done so much, and was loved by so many people.  He will certainly be missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ofelia; his brothers, Thurman, Robert and Larry; his sister, Sarah (Bowls) Durning; his sons, DeLayne and Derek; and two grandchildren, Ani and Sarah.

A small, public graveside service will be held at Einan’s Funeral Home, with  reception following.  Due to the COVID Pandemic, attendance for the reception is limited to family.  In lieu of flowers, we request any funds be given as proceeds to the Parkinson’s Foundation, the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Tri-Cities Union Gospel Mission, or to any reputable charity of your choice.