Randall David Bowling (Randy), 80, of Lawrence, KS, left us peacefully on August 13, 2026, at his home in Lawrence, KS surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Garden City, KS the son of D.R. and Evelyn (Coleman) Bowling. He graduated from Garden City High School in 1964 and then attended Garden City Community College, the University of Kansas and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis, Tennessee where he met his wife, Linda Sue Baddour. He practiced optometry in Garden City for 40 years where he cared deeply for his many friends and patients. It was there his son, Brock, now in Charlotte, NC, was born.
Besides his optometric practice, Randy invested in entrepreneurial businesses there, and he was a dedicated board member of Garden City Community College. Upon retirement, Randy and Linda moved to Fayetteville, AR, Linda’s home state, where they lived for ten years. Randy was a dedicated racquetball player during their stay there, gaining lifetime friends.
Randy began playing the base guitar as a teenager and enjoyed playing it with a band he helped form during his high school years, Da Tree Todes, which performed together as recently as 2021. Randy also enjoyed water skiing, traveling, astronomy, working on various projects in his garage and spending time with his family and friends.
Randy and Linda eventually decided to settle in Lawrence, KS to be near sister Sydnie Kampschroeder (Vaun), nieces, nephews, other family and longtime friends. It was here his wife, Linda Sue Baddour, preceded him in death on July 6, 2025. Randy will always be remembered as a loving and caring husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who enjoyed life to the fullest.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.