OBITUARIES
Darlene Thornton
July 31, 1941 – June 13, 2020
CHICO – Darlene Thornton, 78, went to be with our Lord June 13, 2020 in Bowie, TX.
The funeral is at 2 p.m. June 17 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport. The family received friends at 6-8 p.m. on June 16 at the funeral home. The Rev. John Williams to officiate. Pallbearers include Joel Oliver, Ted Gillum, Mike Richard, James Gillum, Trevor Richard, Justin Oliver and Tucker Oliver.
Darlene was born on July 31, 1941 to Audie and Jimmie (Shirley) Clark in Hico, TX. She was united in marriage to the love of her life, Harry K. “Buddy” Thornton on Sept. 10, 1960 in Fairy, TX. Darlene was a homemaker, who was once recognized as one of 10 “Most outstanding homemakers in Texas,” while living in Gustine, TX. She was a devoted wife and mother always supporting her family. Darlene also was a successful business store owner, with three locations selling fashion jewelry. Later in life, she found a love for dance and often she and Buddy traveled all over in their RV to dance and take in scenic views across America.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Teresa Richard and her sister, Barbara Abel.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her husband of 59 years, Harry Thornton, Chico; her daughters, Melinda Gillum and husband Ted of Spicewood and Christie “Janay” Oliver and husband Joel, Lakeside; her sisters, Shirley Clark and husband Don of Keller, and Mary Jo Haller of San Angelo; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
If so inclined, donations in Darlene’s honor may be made to: Silver String’s Dance and Entertainment Center, 500 N Smythe St, Bowie, Texas 76230.
Hawkins Funeral Home – Bridgeport, TX
940-683-2211 | www.hawkinsfuneralhome.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.
-
NEWS3 years agoSuspect indicted, jailed in Tia Hutson murder
-
NEWS4 years ago2 hurt, 1 jailed after shooting incident north of Nocona
-
NEWS3 years agoSO investigating possible murder/suicide
-
NEWS4 years agoWreck takes the life of BHS teen, 16
-
NEWS3 years agoMurder unsolved – 1 year later Tia Hutson’s family angry, frustrated with no arrest
-
Show us something good9 years agoCountry music star children perform in Bowie
-
100th Birthday4 years agoLooking back at the 1958 Centennial edition of The Bowie News
-
NEWS3 years ago
Sheriff’s office called out to infant’s death