OBITUARIES
Melody Turnbow
March 4, 1971 – October 17, 2020
BOWIE – It is with deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of our dear Melody Turnbow on Oct. 17, 2020 after a lengthy illness.
A celebration of life will be planned in the near future.
She was born on March 4, 1971 to Jackie Turnbow in Bowie. Melody grew up in Bowie, attending school and graduating high school in 1989. She was involved in band, flag corp. and was very well known for being a member of the Duran Duran Fan Club. Melody went on to graduate from LVN school at NCTC, and later on, she graduated with an RN. She was employed throughout her nursing career at Nocona General Hospital, Wichita General Hospital pediatrics, Dallas Children’s Hospital Oncology floor, Decatur Hospital, Bowie Memorial Hospital, Grace Care Center and several home health agencies.
Melody is preceded in death by her grandparents, A.J. and Nell Turnbow, aunt Johnnie Laughlin and uncle Ronnie Turnbow.
Survivors include daughter, Bethany Fong, Bowie, parents, Mike and Jackie Lewallen, Bowie, sister, Natalie and husband, Blaine Brown, Buda, nephew, Cameron Brown, Buda, aunt, Debbie Turnbow, Colorado, and special cousins, Kevin “Slim” Laughlin and wife, Wendy and their son, Nathan, Johnnett Laughlin, Sarah Halpin and Lacey Ann Turnbow and an abundance of precious friends.
Melody is most remembered by her loving, caring and kind soul. She always had a smile for everyone. She would stay up late and talk to her friends and family and help them to cope with loved ones who were ill, or any other issues. Melody’s biggest accomplishment in her 49 short years of life was her daughter, Bethany. She was active in helping Bethany in cheerleading and fund-raisers for out of state trips, band and helping put on some of the best pep rallies and “Decade Dances” in the past several years at Bowie High School.
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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