OBITUARIES
Thomas Lavern Williams
Thomas Lavern Williams
February 18, 1928 – February 22, 2015
WICHITA FALLS – Thomas Lavern Williams, 87, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 22 in Wichita Falls, TX.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 in the chapel of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home.
Lavern was born Feb. 18, 1928 in Dimmit, TX to Mattie and Paul Williams. He joined the Army Air Corps and served during WWII from 1946 to 1949.
Lavern married Margarette Cooper on November 22, 1955 in Wichita Falls. In 1963 they adopted their first daughter, Kathleen, and their second daughter, Randi in 1966.
Both Lavern and Margarette had backgrounds in the dry cleaning business and purchased the Modern Steam Laundry and Dry Cleaners in Bowie. Retiring in 1991, they enjoyed many years of camping, traveling and fishing. He was an avid fisherman, gardener, woodworker and general hobby enthusiast.
He is survived by his wife, Margarette, Wichita Falls; two daughters, Kathleen Mitchell and husband Douglas, Gainesville and Randi Smith, Wichita Falls; granddaughter, Miranda Saari and her husband Matt, Panama City, FL; brother, Leroy Williams and wife Emma Lou, Wichita Falls and brother, Paul Williams and wife JoBeth, Gilmer.
The family would like to personally thank all the doctors, nurses and staff of Texas Oncology, United Regional Hospital, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital and Hospice of Wichita Falls.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his name be made to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com
Arrangements are under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Barbara Jean Latham
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
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
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.
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