David Clarke Bumgarner, D.C., passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2022, at Ascension St. John, Jane Phillips Medical Center, Bartlesville, OK. He was 68.
David was born in Tulsa, OK, on November 6, 1954, to Benton Clarke Bumgarner and Joan Dorsey Bumgarner. Theirs was a home filled with love, with younger three sisters who he alternately adored, loved, and annoyed.
David attended Coffeyville public schools, Coffeyville Community College, and the University of Kansas. He then attended Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, from which he graduated as salutatorian of his class with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree in October, 1977. David passed his professional state licensure exam on the day his first child was born. He began his professional practice, sharing space with his dad, Dr. Clarke. They remained in practice together until Dr. Clarke retired. David continued his practice until his retirement in August 2019. He considered every patient to be a personal friend.
David married Elizabeth Lynn Masters on January 5, 1974. They met in the 7th grade, but a friend later shared a photo of her 5th birthday party, where both Lynn and David peeked from the background. They were truly the love of each others’ lives. David and Lynn had three children, Jennifer, Michael, and Rebecca. Their children were raised in a home filled with love, where their dad alternately adored, loved, and annoyed them all.
After retiring, David’s friends and family taught him the joys of being a retiree. He and Lynn were able to take several dream vacations, and he was able to begin attending daytime activities with his grandchildren. He was also finally able to foster his lifelong love of Corvettes. Through this, he met another group of friends who supported his multiple new cars and participation in numerous car shows. David enjoyed his daily walks, coffee, and meals with friends, who challenged him to become involved with new activities.
David was a lifetime member of First Presbyterian Church, actively assisting and volunteering until the day before his untimely death. He was an ordained Deacon and Elder, and he served his church family in many capacities over the years. David also served on the Four County Mental Health Center board since 1979, acting as Chairman of the Board for over 35 years. David was a member of the Coffeyville Area Community Foundation Board of Directors, a past member of Jaycees, and a member of Money Sunk investment club.
The true light of David’s life was his family. He was a generous, kind man; and his love for his family was obvious in every interaction. He was a proud dad who loved his three children, attending every performance, every activity, and every game. And oh… how he adored his grandchildren. He was simply Papa to them, and they loved him with their whole hearts. He would drop everything and change plans at a minute’s notice to spend time with them. He delighted in attending their many activities, and he was truly happiest when his entire family was gathered under the same roof.
David is deeply missed by his wife, Lynn, of the home; daughter, Jennifer Foraker and children Finian, Isabel, and Lucas of Coffeyville; son, Michael Bumgarner (Ruth), and children Harrison and Eleanor of Winfield; and daughter, Rebecca Bumgarner Utter (Jeff) and daughter Olive of Topeka. Surviving sisters are Diane Gorman of Pleasant Hill, MO, Julie Kuehn of Lenexa, KS, and Mary Ann Baker (Greg), Crofton, MD. He will also be missed by numerous other family members and friends.
Funeral services are under the direction of David W. Barnes Funeral Home. The funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, December 9, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church, 402 West 8th St., Coffeyville, Kansas. Family will receive friends at the church from 5:00 - 7:00 pm on Thursday, December 8. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to honor David’s life be made to First Presbyterian Church or to Coffeyville Community College Foundation. Memorials may be left with the funeral home.
