OBITUARIES
Grady William McElhannon
Grady William McElhannon
April 12, 1938 – October 19, 2017
DALLAS – Grady William McElhannon, 79, passed away at his home on Oct. 19, 2017.
Grady William McElhannon, known as Bill, and affectionately as “Big Bill” to match his bigger than life personality, was born in Borger on April 12, 1938.
He grew up in Nocona where he played football and was active in the vocational agricultural program at Nocona High School. He went on to Kemper Military Academy in Missouri to finish high school, play football and attend junior college. He enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and fishing.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1960 and served his country until his honorable discharge.
He came to Dallas and began a lifelong career of sales. He was a top salesman and spent many years traveling the large and small towns of West Texas selling women’s dresses and sportswear to his estimated 350 plus accounts.
Upon his retirement in the late 80s, he cared for his mother, Katie until her death.
In 2005 he was diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease and dealt with that for the remaining years of his life.
He had a wide array of friends and family and stayed in touch with them on a regular basis up to the day of his death. His booming personality, optimism and enthusiasm for life will be missed by all.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Katie McElhannon; older brother, James McElhannon and niece, Kimbra McElhannon.
He is survived by his daughter, Michelle McElhannon; grandchildren, Taylar and Darrion Collins McElhannon; and nephews, many cousins, great nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to Laurel Land Funeral Home Dallas, 6000 S.R.L Thornton Fwy.
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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