OBITUARIES
Melvin Lynn Hill
Melvin Lynn Hill
February 2, 1933 – June 12, 2015
BOWIE – Melvin Lynn Hill, 82, graduated into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ on June 12, 2015.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. June 15 at The White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Funeral service was at 2 p.m. June 16 at the First Freewill Baptist Church of Bowie. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery.
Melvin was a life long resident of Bowie except for short time in Brush, CO. He fought a strong fight against cancer until the end.
Melvin was born Feb. 2, 1933 in Bellevue to Jesse and Vivian Hill. The youngest of four boys, with two sisters who lived a simple life working hard on the homestead to help the family survive.
Melvin was a graduate from Midway High School. Shortly after, he served our country in the military and was honorably discharged in1955.
One failed marriage did not discourage him from the love of his life, Barbara Makings. They were blessed with 35 years of a loving marriage until she passed in 1998.
Melvin applied his hand to several trades but carpentry became his profession. Later in age he worked for Montague County Sheriffs Department as a jailer and supervised inmates in the work release program.
Hobbies included golf, bowling, fishing, cards and dominoes, of which he was known for the seriousness of the game. Melvin tremendously enjoyed the beauty of flowers. Tending to his flower beds was a great source of pride for him. Above all, his greatest passion was gospel music.
From a young age, Melvin loved to sing. Involved in several gospel groups, he brought much joy to many through a baritone voice.
Melvin is survived by daughters, Jeanne Cowley and husband George, Jerri Chambers and Teresa Grullon; three sons, John Makings and wife Sue, Jim Makings and wife Brenda, and Michael Hill and wife Andrea; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and close personal friend, Alphine Wheeler.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
December 26, 1942 – August 28, 2026
BELLEVUE – Jimmie Dale Johnson, 83, died on Aug. 28, 2026 in Wichita Falls.
A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26 at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue Life Center.
He was born Dec. 26, 1942 in Fort Worth to James Jeffrey and Nellie Mae (Frazier) Johnson. He worked in the oilfield and for Robert’s Radiator Shop in Bowie for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; partner, Arlene Denton; brothers, Bill Lewis and Bob Lewis; sisters, Betty Huber, Mary Goodner, and twin sisters, Jessie Mayo and Peggy Ferrin.
He is survived by his stepson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
August 8, 1972 – September 5, 2026
BOWIE – LaDonna Mae Howell, 54, died on Sept. 5, 2026.
A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
She was born on Aug. 8, 1972. She was a graduate of Kinta High School in Kinta, OK where she graduated in 1990 as the valedictorian.
She continued her education at East Central University in Ada, OK earning her bachelor degree in accounting with honors in 1994. That same year, she became a certified public accountant.
She worked for Beverly Industries and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma before serving as vice president of business affairs at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. Later, she became the comptroller at North Central Texas College in Gainesville. She also served as the treasurer of the Bowie High School Mighty Marching
Maroon Band Boosters for many years.
She is survived by her son, Andrew Charles Howell, Longtown, OK; daughter, Amanda Rae Howell, Bowie; her children’s father, Michael Ray Howell, Saginaw and three grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
January 26, 2026 – September 4, 2026
NOCONA – Bobby (Jerry) Orrell, 87, died on Sept. 4, 2026.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
He born in Decatur on Jan. 26, 1939 to Elizabeth and Willie.
He was a United States Army veteran who served his country in Germany. He worked for ARCO National Supply in Gainesville as a supervisor. He worked for Bell Helicopter, Otis Elevator and General Dynamics. He also worked for Boeing as an engineer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Willie; sister, Norma Morby and brother, Bill (Buster) Orrell.
He is survived by his sons, Hannan and Caton; three grandchildren and brother, Leo Orrell.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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