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.
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OBITUARIES
Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell
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
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.
OBITUARIES
Tommy Morgan
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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