OBITUARIES
Thelma Lee Stephens (King)
Thelma Lee Stephens (King)
March 8, 1938 – December 10, 2016
COLORADO – Thelma Lee Stephens (King), 78, succumbed to cancer in Mancos, CO.
Thelma was born March 8, 1938 in Nocona to Mabel Nichols (Milsap) and Cleburn King.
She attended Bowie High School and married fellow Jackrabbit David Stephens in 1959. Together, they raised their two children, Thomas and Rebecca, in Rochester, MN.
Thelma taught the importance of volunteerism to her children through example. She was one of the original volunteers for Rochester’s Meals on Wheels program, delivering nutritious meals to home bound seniors without the means of preparing their own meals, where she served the elderly for more than a decade.
During the 1980s Thelma enrolled in Winona State College where she earned her bachelor’s degree by graduating with honors. She continued to further her education by taking graduate courses in special education.
As an educator, Thelma positively influenced many students in Rochester, MN, Ignacio, CO, Dulce NM, and in Bowie. She particularly enjoyed working with children and teens facing significant challenges. After retirement, Thelma moved to Colorado to be close to her children and granddaughter.
She was preceded in death by mother Mabel Nichols (Milsap) and stepfather Glenn Nichols, Bowie; father, Cleburn King, Pampa and sister, Gayle Smith, Fort Worth.
Thelma is survived by her son, Thomas M. Stephens and wife Christa Zubieta, and granddaughter Sofia; daughter, Rebecca Levy and husband Derek; former spouse, David Stephens; and niece, Julie Smith and nephew, Scott Smith both of Fort Worth.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in the name of Thelma Stephens may be made to Shelter Hearts for the Bowie Animal Shelter, PO Box 1453, Bowie, TX 76230. Call 940-781-4440 if you would like to make non-monetary donations of items such as pet food or blankets. Donations to Shelter Hearts are tax-deductible.
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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