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 27, 1965 – August 12, 2026
NOCONA – Daniel Forrest Barrett, 60, died on Aug. 12, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
He was born Dec. 27, 1965, in Spring Branch to James Harry Barrett and Opal Laverne Henderson. He played football at Northwestern and went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He worked mostly as a stock broker.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chuck Barrett.
He is survived by his three children, Reagan, Dylan and Connor; two grandchildren; sister, Sherri Lynn Watson; two nieces; one nephew and siblings, Jesse, Rich and Cheryl.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
July 24, 1960 – August 12, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – David Duke, 66, died on Aug. 12, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX.
There was a visitation from 6 – 8 p.m. on Aug. 16 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service was at 10 a.m. on Aug. 17 at the Abundant Life Church officiated by Pastor James Messer.
Interment followed in Terral Cemetery. Pallbearers were Randy Harris, Randy Croxton, Wiley Vanover, Zak Weaver, Bradley Lawrence and Ross Atteberry. Honorary pallbearers were David Morrison and the Red River Dozer Crew.
He was born on July 24, 1960 in Bowie to Harvey and Marjorie Romine Duke. He was a dozer operator mainly for Red River Dozer. He grew up in Terral, OK where he graduated high school. He married Micheal Heathington on Nov. 26, 1994 in Spanish Fort.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife, Micheal Duke; children, Leslie Halt, Kendra Grottie and Kyle Duke; sisters, Delores Weatherly and Sharon Westbrook; brothers, Ricky Duke and Ronnie Duke, and nine grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Eagle Point Cemetery Association.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
June 12, 1981 – August 2, 2026
DALLAS – Timothy Tompkins, 45, died on Aug. 2, 2026 in Dallas, TX.
There was a memorial service on at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church with Pastor Dan Sparkman officiating. A private family interment will follow at a later date.
He was born on June 12, 1981 to Sam and Paula Tompkins in Wichita Falls. He was a driver, worked the oil industry for several years, wroked as a ranch manager and carpenter. He was a member of Valley View Baptist Church. He married Christy Marie Harris on Sept. 24, 2005 in Nocona.
He is survived by his wife, Christy Tompkins, Nocona; parents, Sam and Paula Tompkins, Spanish Fort; sister, Amanda York, Wichita Falls; children, Samantha Dawn Tompkins, Stephenville, Brock Wilson Tompkins, Frisco, Deagan Brodie Tompkins, Spanish Fort, Lillian Marie “Lili” Tompkins, Spanish Fort and three nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church, P.O. Box 330, Nocona.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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