Douglas Kelley Bowen

Douglas Kelley Bowen, 76, passed away in Mangum, Oklahoma, on Sunday, June 21, 2026, Father’s Day, and joined his heavenly Father, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, hard work, and service to his community. He was born on October 15, 1949, in Sayre, Oklahoma, and attended Mangum Public Schools from first grade through his high school graduation in 1967. He attended Oklahoma State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics. After graduating, he worked briefly in construction before returning home to Mangum, where he dedicated his life to farming and ranching. Cotton was king for Kelley. He told his daughters that money didn’t grow on trees; it grew on cotton stalks. He also raised wheat, alfalfa and cattle. He believed in giving back to the agricultural community by serving on numerous boards, including the Greer County Farm Bureau board, the Mangum and Martha Co-op boards, the Lugert-Altus Irrigation board, the Greer County FSA board, and the Greer County Excise Board. His leadership, integrity, and practical wisdom earned the respect of friends, neighbors, and colleagues alike. On August 6, 1977, Kelley married Sherri Lauer at Lake Creek Baptist Church in Granite. On their first date, he drove by his farmland and then told her he was the “mayor of Hester.” She was certainly impressed until she saw the size of Hester. Together, they built their home east of Mangum, raising two daughters, Katie Anne and Rebecca Lynn, and their oldest granddaughter, Jadyn Lee. Kelley was a devoted husband and father, proud “Bubba” to his grandkids and their friends, and “Bub” to his friends. He coached countless softball games for his daughters and added basketball coaching to his repertoire when he began coaching his granddaughters until they reached junior high, creating memories that would last a lifetime. His love for youth sports extended beyond coaching. Alongside other volunteers, Kelley helped build the Mangum School softball field in 1991 and later was instrumental in raising funds for the batting barn and building the second ball field at the complex, leaving a lasting impact on generations of young athletes. He had many hobbies throughout his lifetime. When he was in high school, he enjoyed drag racing his 1965 Chevy Chevelle Malibu. He won several racing trophies at the Frederick Drag Races. Not too many years ago, during his car-collecting years, he bought a restored Chevy like the one he owned in high school. When he wasn’t working or following his kids or grandkids, Kelley enjoyed team roping and golfing. He hosted ropings at his arena and traveled to other arenas in Oklahoma and many other states to participate. In 1995, he was USTRC Number 9 World Reserve Champion team roper with Dusty Drake at the Lazy E in Guthrie and received a horse trailer, a saddle, and cash. He also won the Booger Barter team roping championship at Lazy E a couple of years later. Not only did he enjoy the competition, he mentored many young ropers throughout the years giving them the opportunity to enjoy the sport also. He spent many hours on golf courses with friends, perfecting his golf skills but especially enjoying the camaraderie. Above all, Kelley will be remembered for his work ethic, generosity, character, laughter, and love for his family. He knew someone everywhere he went, and if he didn’t, he knew them before he left. He had friends of all ages, including those whose children were his age and those who were the age of his children. He lived life well and enjoyed it to the fullest, an example that will continue to inspire those who knew and loved him. Kelley is survived by his loving wife of nearly 49 years, Sherri Bowen; his daughters, Katie Carney and her husband, Richard, of Granite, Oklahoma, and Becca Bowen-Herring of Yukon, Oklahoma; and his five granddaughters: Jadyn Bowen of Stillwater, Oklahoma; PFC Hallie Carney of Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Josey Carney and Mattingly Carney of Granite, Oklahoma; and Eleanor Herring of Yukon, Oklahoma. He is also survived by family members Jean Brown and Dennis Kelly, along with many valued friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, S. Kelley and Grace Pegues Bowen, son in law Richard Herring, as well as family members Jimi Kelly Smith and Dorothy Roles. Kelley’s legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the land he loved, and the community he faithfully served. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of life will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Mangum First Baptist Church, 228 North Oklahoma Avenue, Mangum. A headstone will be placed in his memory at Riverside Cemetery, Mangum, alongside his parents. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembering Kelley with a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or online at give.michaeljfox.org.

Douglas Kelley Bowen

October 15, 1949 - June 21, 2026

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

Douglas Kelley Bowen

October 15, 1949 - June 21, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information