OBITUARIES
Gaines Franklin Plaxco Jr.
Gaines Franklin Plaxco Jr.
October 25, 1946 – December 6, 2018
WICHITA FALLS – Gaines Franklin Plaxco Jr., 72, passed away on Dec. 6, 2018 in Wichita Falls, TX.
A visitation was from 5-7 p.m. on Dec. 10 at Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.
A funeral service was at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 11 at First Baptist Church (east sanctuary) with Pastor Bob McCartney, officiating.
Interment followed at Crestview Memorial Park under the direction of Owens & Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls.
Gaines was born in Fort Worth on Oct. 25, 1946 to parents G.F. Plaxco and Sarah Margaret Frankenfield. At just three days old, the family moved to Plaxco Ranch in Bellevue. Gaines loved Bellevue and made many treasured friendships throughout his time living there.
In May of 1971, Gaines earned his bachelor of business administration from Midwestern State University. He then entered what would become a lifetime career of insurance, beginning with MFA Insurance before entering into a partnership with like-minded men to form Winfrey and Company in 1982. Gaines would later join the insurance firm Allred Thompson Mason Daugherty, known today as Higginbotham Associates.
He earned special recognition throughout his career, including being elected as president of the Independent Insurance Agents of Texas and commendation from the Presidents Club of MFA.
Gaines also owned and operated Pak-N-Ship for more than 10 years, was a Gold Coat Ambassador for 15 years, and a member of Rotary. He also believed in the importance of donating blood, giving back more than 16 gallons throughout his life.
Gaines married JoAnn Hamersley Brooks in Wichita Falls, 1984 — a union which lead to a family of five children. He loved all his children as his own from the very beginning, a sentiment which only grew stronger throughout his lifetime. It can be said that he was at his most content when surrounded by family in Trade Winds Beach at Lake Nocona, where for 24 years he formed precious, genuine friendships.
Gaines dedicated his life to Jesus at 10 years of age, a decision which led to a long life spent as a devout Christian man. He attended First Baptist Church of Wichita Falls where he served as a member of the Discovery Life Sunday School group. He loved volunteering for the church, often serving as a shuttle driver for seniors or perfecting the craft of “chicken nugget counting” when working the Wednesday night kitchen.
Preceding him in death are his parents; grandson, Dustin Brooks; mother and father-in-law, Geneva and Ralph Hamersley; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Beverly and Roger Holcomb.
Survivors are his wife, JoAnn; sons, Curt (Heather) Plaxco, Stephenville, Keith (Anna) Brooks, Canyon, and Carl (Brandy), McKinney; daughters, Pam (Lance) Lane Wichita Falls and April (John) Snelling, Sedalia, MO; nine grandchildren, Jessica Wells, Parker and Camryn Plaxco, Logan and Tanner Lane, Dillen (Amber) Brooks, Zoe Brooks, Avery and Joe Snelling; great grandchildren, Corrie Wells, and Siah and Charlie Brooks; siblings, Nancy (Lee) Devaney, Margaret (Nathan) Fox, Barry (Lisa) Plaxco, and Larry (Theresa) Plaxco; and sister-in-law, Carolyn Balukas.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Mission or Hospice of Wichita Falls.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.owensandbrumley.com.
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Owens & Brumley Funeral Home
1317 9th Street • Wichita Falls, TX • 940-322-3181 www.owensandbrumley.com
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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