OBITUARIES
Keith Maddox


Keith Maddox, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, friend and businessman passed away on Sept. 4, 2019.
Keith’s Celebration of Life 10 a.m. on Oct. 4 in the Cowtown Coliseum in the Historic Stockyards of Fort Worth with a reception to follow.
Keith was born on June 1, 1945 in Weiser, ID to Dwight and Marjory Maddox. The oldest of three, Keith left the home ranch at the young of age of 16 to follow his dreams. While putting himself through school and competing in professional rodeos at 13, Keith was determined to live his life to the fullest.
Due to Keith’s skills and ability to win in the rodeo arena, he was recruited by many colleges. He first attended Casper Community College where he competed on the rodeo team and roomed with Chris LeDoux. He graduated in 1971 from Eastern Oregon University.
Keith was a man of many traits and talents, working with the world’s most iconic western brands: Tem Tex, Bailey Hats, Tony Lama Boots and Larry Mahan. He was one of the first salesmen to travel his territory as his own pilot in his plane, to beat the competition. He was never one to fail. While in Torrington, WY, he made an infamous name for the Broncho Bar, as the owner.
Keith married Susan Stear on March 19, 1988 and their love flourished for 31 years, there was no greater love. Prior to the marriage, Keith went out to build his own companies with Susan by his side, first Sierra Oil and Gas which was established in 1987, in Keller.
Later, The Best Hat Store was established in 1996, in the Historic Stockyards of Fort Worth. The store is still operating to this day. Always aspiring for more, in 2003, Keith purchased a long-sought after hat company from Conroe. Later known to many as the world-renowned American Hat Company, of Bowie.
Keith was an active member in highly regarded organizations, including Ranchero Visitadores in California, Tejas Vaqueros in Texas, the Verde Vaqueros in Arizona, where he was instrumental in building the membership with key people from around the world. In Keller, he was a charter member of the International Rotary Club and a member of the Met Church. Along with being a lifetime PRCA Gold-Card Member, Keith will be honored as an inductee into the Idaho Rodeo Hall of Fame in October 2019.
Keith made a difference in the world and had an uncanny ability to make people feel good about themselves, while positively impacting individuals of all ages. His brand was Positive Times, and he lived by this every day. He once said, “I’ve never had a bad day. I had a bad 15 minutes one time, and I will never do that again.”
His accolades will forever live on and his contagious laugh and million-dollar smile will forever be in our hearts. As Keith’s spirit is now with us, all his memories will forever be spoken, and we know he will be looking down on us with his 1000X halo.
Keith was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marjory and Dwight Maddox. He is survived by his loving wife, Susan; their two daughters, Treasure and Mercedes; son, Bret, husband of Nichole, father of Easton, Lillie, and Sophie; sister, Vicki; brother, Dave; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, a scholarship has been set up through the National High School Rodeo Association in memory of Keith Maddox or you can donate to a charity of your choice. Make a check out to NHSRA, put Keith Maddox Scholarship in the memo and mail: NHSRA – Attn: James Higginbotham, 12011 Tejon St, Suite #900, Denver, CO 80234
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OBITUARIES
Wade Shelton

November 24, 1929 – April 28, 2025
NOCONA – Wade Shelton, 95, died on April 28, 2025 in Bowie.
A visitation was at 11 a.m. on May 3 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service followed at 2 p.m. at the gazebo at Molsbee Chapel Cemetery on May 5 officiated by Pastor Phillip Weitner.
He was born on Nov. 24, 1929 in Nocona to Walter Shelton and Mildred Kidwell Shelton. He was a hard-worker most of his life working mostly as an industrial machine mechanic and also managing the drive-in movie theater in Nocona. He was a member, deacon and sometimes ministered at Molsbee Chapel Church of the Brethren. He married Thelma Wright on Nov. 24, 1956 in Lubbock. She preceded him in death in 2012.
He is preceded in death by his wife; parents; brothers, Weldon Shelton and Paul Shelton; and sisters, Oleta and Bonnie Baggett.
He is survived by his children, Serina Thomas, Bowie, John Shelton, Sunset and Steve Holcomb, Nocona; four grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
OBITUARIES
Fern Hollaway Caswell

July 7, 1925 – April 28, 2025
BOWIE – Fern Hollaway Caswell passed on April 28, 2025 at the age of exactly 99 years, nine months and three weeks.
A graveside service took place at 11 a.m. on May 1 at Sunset Cemetery in Sunset with Doyle Wade officiating.
Fern was born at her parents’ home just outside of Sunset on July 7, 1925, she was the youngest child and only daughter of J. A. (Jim) Hollaway and Arah Sigler Hollaway. Growing up with three older brothers, she learned quite early on how to hold her own when faced with difficulties. She graduated from Sunset High School as the salutatorian of the Class of 1941. While in school, she was a talented and celebrated volleyball player on winning teams coached by J. I. (Speck) Caswell, the man who would eventually become her husband of 48 years.
Before her marriage, Fern worked at what is now known as the North Texas State Hospital, Wichita Falls Campus, first on the wards and eventually in the business office. After her marriage, the birth of the couple’s children, and the family’s move to Alvord in 1954, she devoted herself to rearing her daughters and working alongside her husband on the family ranch.
After the girls left home, she worked for the Lorch Company, managing their outlet stores in Decatur and Gainesville until the company closed. After her husband’s death, she began a long and varied career at DFW International Airport, driving carts and working in customs and security, all jobs which clearly suited her love of people watching. After getting up at 2 a.m. and driving to the airport three days a week for many years, she eventually retired at 89. Regardless of when and where she was working, she was always Granny and always available to the grandsons and great grandchildren she adored.
An excellent seamstress, Fern had a strong work ethic and a keen fashion sense, both of which she imparted to her daughters. An avid reader of biographies, she was also a lover of all animals, particularly Siamese cats. A longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Alvord, she also served as the District President of the Parent-Teachers Association of Texas.
Fern was predeceased by her husband; parents; three brothers, Berniece, Clay and Harold Hollaway; niece, Deanna Hollaway Hooper and great-niece, Tonya Davis Wallum.
She is survived by her daughters and their spouses, Lana Caswell-Garcia and H.S. (Bert) Garcia, Sherman and Karen Caswell Fowler and Donald Fowler, Chico; grandsons, Wes Fowler, and Kase Fowler and his wife Leslie Bain Fowler, all of Alvord; and great grandchildren, Rachae Fowler Richey and her husband Senior Airman Hunter Richey, Colorado Springs and Keegan Fowler, Alvord; nephews, Billy Dean Hollaway and his wife Sheri, North Little Rock, AR, Bernis Hollaway, Carr, CO and Bruce Hollaway, Buena Vista, AR; and several great and great-great-nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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OBITUARIES
Gary Leo Fergueson

November 11, 1944 – April 19, 2025
BELLEVUE – Gary Leo Fergueson, 80, died on April 19, 2025.
A graveside service will take place at 11 a.m. on April 24 at Vashti Cemetery with Michael Brannon and Jeff Brannon officiating.
He was born on Nov. 11, 1944 to Vera (Chappell) and Lewis Fergueson. He worked in the food and grocery industry at multiple store chains beginning in Fort Worth and ending in Bowie. He also worked as a rancher at his family farm in Vashti. Fergueson proudly served his country in the United States Army, he completed his basic training in San Fransico and was stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Alta Fergueson Brannon.
He is survived by his nephew, Jeff Brannon; niece, Krista Brannon Blackrock; brother-in-law Michael Brannon and a very special friend of 60 years, Helen Ulbig.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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