OBITUARIES
Melody Turnbow
March 4, 1971 – October 17, 2020
BOWIE – It is with deepest sorry that we announce the passing of our dear Melody Turnbow on Oct.17, 2020 after a lengthy illness.
A celebration of life service 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 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
Melody is preceded in death by her grandparents, A.J. and Nell Turnbow, aunt, Johnnie Laughlin and uncle, Ronnie Turnbow.
She is survivors by her parents Mike and Jackie Lewallen, Bowie; daughter, Bethany Fong, Bowie; sister, Natalie and husband, Blaine Brown, Buda; nephew, Cameron Brown, Buda; aunt, Debbie Turnbow, CO; special cousins, Kevin “Slim” Laughlin and wife, Wendy and their children, Nathan, Johnnett Laughlin, Sarah Halpin and Lacey Ann Turnbow and an abundance of precious friends.
Paid publication
June 9, 1945 – April 29, 2026
BOWIE – Barbara Jean Latham, 80, beloved mother, passed away on April 29, 2026 when her battle with cancer ended.
Barbara was laid to rest at Bomarton Cemetery, next to her husband.
Barbara was born on June 9, 1945, in Portland, OR. She was a long-time resident of Sweetwater. She spent the last part of her life living in Bowie. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She also loved her ladies (chickens) and garage sales.
Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Young Latham and her mother, Adeline Mae Ballenger.
Barbara is survived by her son Harold Betts; daughters, Jamie Latham Shaw and Jenisu Latham; siblings Buddy Covington, Thomas Covington, Ronnie Covington, Sharon Covington Posey, Joe Covington, Melissa Evans and Judy Johson; and numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Paid publication
November 5, 1938 – April 18, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – Maggie Killen, 87, died on April 18, 2026.
A graveside service took place at 1 p.m. on April 27 at Salona Cemetery near Bowie.
She was born on Nov. 5, 1938 in Bowie to Bertha Irene (Brewer) and Emmett Franklin Thompson. She was a graduate of Bowie High School. She was an oil information secretary and later in life as a business office manager in a skilled nursing home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha Irene and Emmett Franklin Thompson: sisters; Gracie McNatt, Berneice Oliver, Ola Mae Deeton, Ernestine Ray and Dorothy Woolf: brothers; Kelly Thompson, John Thompson, Lonnie Thompson, Wayne Thompson and Tommy Thompson; son, Ricky Wallace and daughter, Vicki Cullens.
She is survived by two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to University Park Nursing and Rehab.
June 4, 1947 – April 19, 2026
SPAINSH FORT – Sammy Joe Mitchell, 78, died on April 19, 2026.
There was a visitation from 5-6 p.m. on April 24 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona.
A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on April 25 at Spanish Fort Cemetery in Spanish Fort.
He was born on June 4, 1947 in Nocona to Bonnie O. Mitchell Jr. & Mary Lou Cross Mitchell. He grew up in the Spanish Fort area and went to school at Prairie Valley Schools. He was a hard-working farmer, rancher and mechanic all of his life and served his nation in the Airforce. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Spanish Fort. He married the love of his life Robbie Hawthorne on May 8, 1971 in Nocona.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven Chris Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife, Robbie Mitchell, Spanish Fort; children, Joe Chris Mitchell, Spanish Fort and Kasie Hamilton, Bowie; sister, Bonnie Robertson, Spanish Fort; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to The Montague County Youth Fair, c/o Kenton Holloway, 5549 F.M. 1758, Bowie, TX 76230.
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