OBITUARIES
Billy Jon Etter
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.
Paid publication
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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