OBITUARIES
James Aaron Garrett
James Aaron Garrett
May 25, 1928 – August 19, 2017
BOWIE – James Aaron Garrett, 88, his body finally gave up the fight on Aug. 19, 2017, but his spirit lives on with Jesus and with those that knew and loved him.
A graveside service was at 10 a.m. Aug. 25 at the Charlie Cemetery in Charlie. There was a memorial service at 2 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Calvary Baptist Church in Bowie.
James Aaron Garrett was welcomed into the world by his parents, Pearl and Gaither, in Tuttle, OK on May 25, 1928.
Orphaned while still a baby, he and his brother were raised by his paternal aunt, Tessola Bedford, a faith-filled, sharecropper’s daughter, who later became a much loved care-giver at the Wichita Falls Day Nursery.
James didn’t have much materially speaking as he grew up during the Depression so, at age 14, he began welding in the Houston shipyards during WWII. His talent for welding took him around the world, helping to construct major oilfield infrastructure projects such as the Alaska Pipeline and similar work in the Persian Gulf States, South America, Australia and Canada.
When he wasn’t on a job, he loved coming home to his family, busying himself by raising vegetable gardens, cattle, racing quarter horses, tinkering on anything mechanical and spinning yarns for anyone within earshot.
James epitomized the best of manhood and what can be accomplished by trust in Jesus, honesty, fair treatment and hard work. He was a rare man whose humor and integrity will be missed by all who knew him.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Solaris Hospice of Decatur and, especially his special friends and helpers, Lisa and Gayla for making his final years meaningful and possible.
James is survived by the love of his life, Marilyn; his older brother, Aderil, Allen; three children, Jim (Janet), Norman, OK, Tim (Ruth), Wichita Falls and Jamie; and a beloved grandson, Aaron also of Wichita Falls.
Arrangements were entrusted to Davis Funeral Home in Henrietta.
Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.davisfuneralhome.net.
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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