Michael John Dowling, 36, a resident of Okmulgee passed away Saturday, May 17th, 2025 in Okemah. Michael was born August 29th, 1988 in Ada to Charlie and Evelyn Dowling. He was raised in Eufaula. Michael had 5 siblings, Vanessa Timothy, Marissa Lewis, Charlie Dowling Jr (CJ), Stephanie Dowling, and April Deon. He had many uncles and aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews which he loved.
Michael attended Eufaula public school until he transferred to Sequoyah High school in Tahlequah where he graduated with his high school diploma. During his time in Sequoyah, Michael began a drumline group. There he and a few friends began this group and would travel to sports events to help cheer them on. Michael was a part of large community of students who attended the school and kept in touch with them throughout the years as a proud Sequoyah Alumni. After graduating high school, Michael went out of state where he did mission work on reservations across the United States and also in Mongolia. He attended Indian Bible College in Flagstaff, AZ and Mokahum Ministry School in Cass Lake, MN. He served on the On Eagles Wings team for 4 years. Michael then returned to Oklahoma to attend the College of the Muscogee Nation.
Michael John grew up in Eufaula where he was notorious for karaoke. He was good at it. Another thing Michael was great at was darts. This brought out the competitive side in him. He played with his family and friends anywhere there was a dart board. Michael recalled playing darts with his parents and friends just to prove that he was that good. Michael has a large family and loved spending time with them any time they got together, which was quite often. Michael also loved going on family float trips, playing horseshoes, dominos, and just being around his family and loved ones.
In 2018, he met his wife Maleah Dowling at the College of the Muscogee Nation. They met while serving on the student senate. They have been together for 7 years.
They shared a daughter Dani Belle, 9 years old. During this time he spent with his wife, he enjoyed going on road trips, coaching softball, and attending stomp dances and powwows. Some have said that when he stopped traveling that he found a place to call home. There he created a little family that gave him love and support. He was loved so much by his girls. There wasn’t anything that they wouldn’t do for each other.
Michael loved to listen to music, The Ninja Turtles, draw graffiti art, tell stories about his travels, be with family and friends. It is said that wherever he went, he lit up the room with the most infectious smile, laugh, and the ability to talk crap. It made everyone laugh so hard. He gave the best hugs and the best words of advice. There wasn’t a stranger that he met that didn’t have a negative word to say about Michael John. Michael John’s life was full of love, nurturing, caring, hopeful, and was vibrant. He always had positive words to say to the people he loved and cared about. His smile was infectious and his laugh soothed the soul. He will be incredibly missed but certainly not forgotten. His memory lives on forever in our minds, hearts and soul. We love you Michael John Dowling. Heaven is a whole lot cooler and chill with you in it.
