OBITUARIES
Troy Orlo Thornton
Troy Orlo Thornton 
May 11, 1926 – December 13, 2015
CHICO – Troy Orlo Thornton, 89, previously of Bowie, died Dec. 13, 2015 at home in Chico, TX.
A church service will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 27 with Pastor Joe Gambill officiating. A memorial service will follow at the First Presbyterian Church of Bowie.
Troy was born May 11, 1926 in Haskins Ohio to George and Loretta Thornton. He was married Dorothy A. Thornton on Dec. 27, 1947 at the Haskins Federated Church.
Troy grew up on a farm in Haskins Ohio during the depression. During his senior year he enlisted in the Navy and upon graduation served during WWII on a ship in the pacific. He was present for the invasion of Iwo Jima and gave support off shore.
When the war was over and Troy returned home, he and Dorothy dated and married a year later. They continued to farm and started a family. Dorothy and Troy lived in various places from coast to coast and in between until they came to settle in Texas in 1980.
Troy was trained by National Cash Register which started his long career in computers. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church and still loved singing in the choir. Troy and Dorothy helped crew for their sons’ hot air balloons when they attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
He was active in the community of Bowie, delivered meals on wheels for years with Dorothy and they helped with the pancake breakfast at the Bowie Senior Center where he earned the title “Pancake King.”
He loved to read and could be found at the Chico Library picking out books. He was active in the Wise County Veterans where he showed his love of country.
He was a dedicated family man and believed in strong family values who was still in love and wasn’t afraid to show it on a daily basis. He and Dorothy still held hands and said “I love you” until the day she died.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Loretta Thornton; sister, Olive Green; brother, Brice Thornton and his wife, Dorothy married 67 years.
He is survived by sons Ronald and wife Carol, Mark and wife Bobbi, Dana and wife Denise; daughter, Carol Fatheree and husband Gary; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Even in death his work is not done. He willed his body to UT Southwestern in hopes of helping medical studies. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
To honor Troy and Dorothy, love your family, respect them and cherish the time you are able to spend with them whether they are near or far. Be active in your community, give to others and try to make a difference in the lives of others.
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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