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OBITUARIES

Billy Jon Etter

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September 3, 1954 – November 19, 2020
Bridgeport – Billy Jon Etter, who for years was the voice of KBAN and later KRJT radio, passed away on Nov. 19.
Plans for a memorial or funeral service will be announced at a later time.
He was the only son of Vera “Mama Lottie” and Floy Etter born on Sept. 3, 1954 in Odessa. The young family moved to Montague County a short time after Bill was born following in the footsteps of his grandparents who were some of the founding families of the county.
Bill is a member of the Bowie High School Class of 1973 and graduated with cum laude honors from North Texas State University in 1977 and a bachelor’s degree in radio, TV and film. During his teen years Bill was quite the entrepreneur operating a snow cone and fireworks stand.
During college, he began working at KBAN radio and later became the owner of KBAN AM and KRJT FM expanding the reach and programs of the station. Throughout his radio career, Bill’s voice became synonymous with local sports coverage, school events where he emceed the band show for many years and of course the popular radio staple Trade Fair. He was active in the community serving as a Bowie Chamber of Commerce director 1995-98, and he received an outstanding community service award from the Bowie Band Parents in 1982.
Bill retired in 1999 moving to Lake Bridgeport where he enjoying boating, swimming and spending time with friends and family, plus his beloved dogs, the late Miss Bridget and the lovable Bailey.
Bill is survived by his partner of 38 years, Darwin Bradam and extended family Josel Cook, Jerry Bradam and Craig Reavis, plus special friends Keith and Barbara Green.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowie Animal Shelter: 302 Lindsey, Bowie, TX 76230 or at friendsofthebowieanimalshelterorg.
Visit the tribute wall for Bill Etter at hawkinsfuneralhome.com.
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OBITUARIES

Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell

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June 5, 1924 – June 27, 2026
BOWIE – Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell, 102 went to be with the Lord, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, service, hard work and love for her family and community.
The service was at Turrentine Jackson Morrow (Meador) Funeral Home in Whitesboro. A visitation was from 6-8 p.m. on June 30 and the services was at 2 p.m. on July 1 officiated by Ricky Patterson. A graveside service followed by at Oakwood Cemetery where she was laid to rest beside her husband.
Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell was born to Alfred Worley and Ella Dean King Worley on June 5, 1924 in Lancaster. She attended Lancaster schools and graduated as salutatorian of her class. She was the only daughter among eight children and was raised on the family’s cotton farm, where she developed the strong work ethic, determination and compassion that defined her remarkable life.
Following her marriage to the love of her life, John B. Bell and in making their home with their four children in Sherman, she began her career with International Business Machines. They later moved to Boulder, CO where she advanced in her profession and served as lead personnel analyst until her retirement in 1980.
Following her retirement from IBM, Ann and her husband moved back to Texas and became owners and operators of Bell Hardware & Feed in Collinsville. After selling the business, she worked for many years at the Gainesville Livestock Market. Later in life, she devoted her time to service as a volunteer and ultimately volunteer director of Your Neighbor’s House Food Bank in Whitesboro.
During her career with IBM, Ann was recognized for her leadership and accomplishments, including her 1965 nomination as the second female president of the IBM Club. Following her retirement, her volunteer work and dedication at Your Neighbor’s House Food Bank earned her the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award and the Humanitarian Award from the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce.
She later moved to a senior living facility in McKinney, where she lived for nine years and continued her volunteer service before moving to Bowie to be near her daughter.
Ann will be remembered for her extraordinary work ethic, sharp intellect, generous heart and unwavering commitment to helping others. She believed every opportunity to serve was a blessing.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Bell; parents, Alfred Worley and Ella Dean King Worley and seven brothers.
She is survived by her four children, James ‘Jim’ Bell, John A. Bell and wife Robin, Jeryl ‘Jerry’ Bell, and Janis Crawley and her husband, Joe; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; loving nieces and nephews, dear friends and many others whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom and example.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowie Mission Food Bank in Bowie.

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OBITUARIES

Billy Charles Akins

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April 14, 1952 – June 27, 2026
BOWIE – Billy Charles Akins, 74, died on June 27, 2026.
At a later time, there will be a memorial ride in his honor with the United Brothers of Wise County chapter.
He was born on April 14, 1952, in California to Charles and Eleanor Akins.
He was a proud retired member of the United Brothers and valued the friendships and fellowship he found there throughout his life.
He is lovingly survived by his daughters, Brandy Karr and Moriah Hal; three grandsons; sister, Karen Akins; one niece; one nephew; brother, Michael Akins; an aunt; one cousin and their son; and two close friends.
In lieu of flowers send donations to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.

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OBITUARIES

Tommy Morgan

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September 17, 1940 – June 20, 2026
NEW BRAUNFELS – Tommy Morgan, 85, died on June 20, 2026.
A visitation was from 6-7:30 p.m. on June 25 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.
A funeral service followed at 11 a.m. on June 26 at First Baptist Church in Nocona officiated by pastor Dave Woodbury. Interment followed at Center Point Cemetery.
He was born on Sept. 17, 1940 in Powell, OK to S.G. and Dolly Avery Morgan. On Feb. 4, 1967 he married Wanda Gayle Ice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Center Point Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 401, Saint Jo, TX 76265.

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