OBITUARIES

Melvin Hugh Anderson

Published

11 years ago

01/07/2015

Melvin Hugh Anderson
July 14, 1931 – December 30, 2014
BOWIE – Melvin Hugh Anderson, 83, passed away on Dec. 30, 2014 in Wichita Falls, TX. Anderson 1 obit
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Jan. 3 at Lunn’s Colonial Chapel with Dr. David Hartman officiating.
Melvin was born in Bowie on July 14, 1931 to Oscar Lawrence Anderson and Myrtie Keen Anderson. He married Wanda June Wright on Jan. 1, 1950 in Bowie.
Melvin was a member of First Christian Church and the Maskat Shrine Temple. He was president of the Maskat Foot Patrol in 1976 and 1988, captain of the Foot Patrol 1992 to 1997 and secretary of the Texas Shrine Patrol Association 1981-82. In 2013, Melvin received his 40 year pin celebrating his service, dedication, fellowship and fun being a Shriner. He was a member of the Royal Order of the Jesters and served as director in 1985.
Melvin was invited to join The Mavericks of Wichita Falls in 1982 and served as president from 1997-1998. Melvin served on the Board of The Mavericks for 21 years and cooked ribs for 23 years. Melvin was honored to be the first Maverick to receive a Life Membership and Gold Star in 2014.
In October 2013, Melvin became a volunteer with Meals on Wheels. He and June enjoyed their weekly visits with all the people on their route and Melvin’s smiling face will be greatly missed.
Melvin was employed by McAlister Trucking Company for 44 years where he started as a swamper and retired as executive vice president. Melvin is generally credited as being an integral part of the success of the company and he was a friend and father figure to many of the people he worked with.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Annette Anderson.
He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, June; daughters, Beverly Bumgarner and husband, Billy, Wichita Falls, Brenda Spilman and husband, Paul, Lake Arrowhead; sister Wanda Nesser, Anderson 2 Obit Boise, ID; grandchildren, Kelly Moss and husband Ricky, Kevin Bumgarner and wife Jessica; great-grandchildren Kaycee Adams and Teegan Bumgarner, all of Wichita Falls, and four nephews and three nieces.
Melvin’s legacy of love and laughter will be greatly missed. Comments from friends and family include: “He will be missed by many but never forgotten,” “It was an honor to have known him,” “God just gained one of the greatest souls,” “He was a remarkably happy man and if you were in the same room you would feel happy too,” “He had a general warmth and charisma that drew people towards him,” and “He was one of the greatest men I ever knew.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Maskat Temple Hospital Transportation Fund or to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lunnscolonial.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Lunn’s Colonial Funeral Home.
Paid publication

OBITUARIES

Barbara Jean Latham

Published

4 days ago

05/06/2026

bowienews

June 9, 1945 – April 29, 2026
BOWIE – Barbara Jean Latham, 80, beloved mother, passed away on April 29, 2026 when her battle with cancer ended.
Barbara was laid to rest at Bomarton Cemetery, next to her husband.
Barbara was born on June 9, 1945, in Portland, OR. She was a long-time resident of Sweetwater. She spent the last part of her life living in Bowie. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She also loved her ladies (chickens) and garage sales.
Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Young Latham and her mother, Adeline Mae Ballenger.
Barbara is survived by her son Harold Betts; daughters, Jamie Latham Shaw and Jenisu Latham; siblings Buddy Covington, Thomas Covington, Ronnie Covington, Sharon Covington Posey, Joe Covington, Melissa Evans and Judy Johson; and numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Paid publication

OBITUARIES

Maggie Killen

Published

1 week ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

November 5, 1938 – April 18, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – Maggie Killen, 87, died on April 18, 2026.
A graveside service took place at 1 p.m. on April 27 at Salona Cemetery near Bowie.
She was born on Nov. 5, 1938 in Bowie to Bertha Irene (Brewer) and Emmett Franklin Thompson. She was a graduate of Bowie High School. She was an oil information secretary and later in life as a business office manager in a skilled nursing home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha Irene and Emmett Franklin Thompson: sisters; Gracie McNatt, Berneice Oliver, Ola Mae Deeton, Ernestine Ray and Dorothy Woolf: brothers; Kelly Thompson, John Thompson, Lonnie Thompson, Wayne Thompson and Tommy Thompson; son, Ricky Wallace and daughter, Vicki Cullens.
She is survived by two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to University Park Nursing and Rehab.

OBITUARIES

Sammy Joe Mitchell

Published

1 week ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

June 4, 1947 – April 19, 2026
SPAINSH FORT – Sammy Joe Mitchell, 78, died on April 19, 2026.
There was a visitation from 5-6 p.m. on April 24 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona.
A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on April 25 at Spanish Fort Cemetery in Spanish Fort.
He was born on June 4, 1947 in Nocona to Bonnie O. Mitchell Jr. & Mary Lou Cross Mitchell. He grew up in the Spanish Fort area and went to school at Prairie Valley Schools. He was a hard-working farmer, rancher and mechanic all of his life and served his nation in the Airforce. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Spanish Fort. He married the love of his life Robbie Hawthorne on May 8, 1971 in Nocona.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven Chris Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife, Robbie Mitchell, Spanish Fort; children, Joe Chris Mitchell, Spanish Fort and Kasie Hamilton, Bowie; sister, Bonnie Robertson, Spanish Fort; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to The Montague County Youth Fair, c/o Kenton Holloway, 5549 F.M. 1758, Bowie, TX 76230.