COUNTY LIFE
By DANI BLACKBURN
dani@postoakmedia.net
A local family grieving the loss of their father is trying to save the life of their brother, Clarence James Kittrell, by finding a donor for his failing kidneys.
The 40-year-old currently resides in Paradise with his wife, Lindsey, and six-year-old daughter, Ava, and has family and many friends in the Bowie area.
Kittrell, who goes by “CJ,” attended Bowie Independent School District in elementary and junior high. One of eight siblings, he was a healthy child and teenager, but his life drastically changed when he fell ill at the age of 24. Doctors scrambled to find answers for his failing health.
Near death and weighing less than 100 pounds, his doctor’s physician assistant suggested he be tested for juvenile diabetes. The test results confirmed the diagnosis, just in time to save his life.
“After he graduated he was no longer active in sports. We were told his body was maintaining because he was so active, but after he graduated he was no longer in sports and that is when the diabetes started going out of control,” explained his sister, Wanda Truax, of Bowie. “They never thought to test him for diabetes, but he had it his whole life and we just didn’t know it.”
However, even on his death bed, Kittrell never lost the spark that his family and friends love so dearly.
“He is the life of the family. He is always making jokes and putting everyone in a good mood and he is never in a bad mood. Even on his ‘death bed’, he was trying to make everyone else feel good,” recalled Truax.
Many encouraged Kittrell to draw disability after being so sick, but he took the opposite road.
“I fought it. I told others no and instead I found the hardest job I could working for Patterson Drilling as a hot shot driver working 18 to 20-hour work shifts. My dad told me never give up, and if you are going to do it give it 100 percent every time, so that’s what I do,” explained Kittrell.
Read the full feature on this family in the weekend News.
Pictured above are: CJ Kittrell is shown with his wife Lindsey and daughter Ava. The family waits for a donor kidney for CJ. (Courtesy photo)
The Ray Walker Memorial VFW Post #8558 will host a Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. on May 26, 100 Baylor Street in Nocona.
The public is invited to attend to celebrate this special holiday to remember those who were killed in service.
Later in the day attend the fundraiser barbecue rib dinner at the Nocona Senior Citizen’s Center. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Enjoy ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and iced tea. Proceeds benefit the center and the Meals on Wheels program of Nocona.
Veterans eat free. Meal prepared by the award winning Nocona High School barbecue team.
Five Montague County high schools will graduate in ceremonies May 23 and May 24.
Make sure to see the 2025 Graduation Keepsake Section in the May 22 edition of The Bowie News. It is the only one to feature seniors from all seven of the area schools including Bowie, Bellevue, Gold-Burg, Forestburg, Nocona, Prairie Valley and Saint Jo.
Bowie High School
The Jackrabbits walk the stage at 8 p.m. on May 23 in Jackrabbit Stadium. Teacher Tabitha Jones was selected by the students to be the speaker.
Seniors Virginia Watson and Boston Farris will pass the mantle of leadership to the junior class represented by Laney Enlow and Hayden Heugatter. Superintendent Blake Enlow will present diplomas.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
All members of the Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum or those interested in learning more about Montague County’s largest museum are invited to attend the annual membership meeting at 2 p.m. on May 31.
There will be a short business meeting to elect new directors afterwhich Dr. Sergio Ayala will discuss the museum’s newest archaeological exhibit. He also will conduct, “What’s Your Point?” where guests are invited to bring in artifacts for Dr. Ayala to examine.
All membership are due in May and there are several levels from which to chose starting at $35 a year. TNT is supported by its members along with donations, fundraising and grants. The museum celebrates its 15th years showcasing Montague County’s unique history.
The museum is located at 1522 E. U.S. Highway 82 in Nocona. Call 825-5330 with questions.
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