OBITUARIES
Paul Norman Palmer
September 2, 1936 – January 14, 2022
NOCONA – Paul Norman Palmer, 85, Nocona, passed from this life on Jan. 14, 2022.
The family will receive visitors from 6-7 p.m. on Jan. 21 at the Nocona First Assembly of God. A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on Jan. 22 also at the Assembly of God with Pastor Billy Moore officiating.
Paul was born to Buck and Lillie Palmer on Sept. 2, 1936 near Little Rock, AR where he grew up. He met Darlene (Cook) and they married on June 18, 1955 in San Diego, CA. They recently celebrated 66 years of love and devotion in marriage.
Paul proudly served his country for four years in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a corpsman attached to a Marine unit.
Paul always had a heart for serving the kingdom of God. He attended Life Bible College in Los Angeles where he earned a bachelor’s degree in theology. He served as a missionary throughout the world, particularly in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, Burma and India. When he was not working in international mission fields, Paul served the kingdom as a pastor in churches in Boulder City, NV, Henderson, NV, Lakeport, CA and Okmulgee, OK. In addition to being a pastor, Paul also was a contractor. He built many homes and many churches all over the world while also serving as a missionary/pastor. While serving in the mission field, he was instrumental in the establishment of a home for girls who had been rescued from the streets.
Paul is survived by his wife, Darlene; sons, Joseph Darrell Palmer, Norman Dennis Palmer and Jeffrey Paul Palmer and wife, Christina; grandchildren, Katy Smith and husband Kurt, Tiffany Palmer, Samantha Palmer, Perry Palmer and Norman Palmer; great-granddaughter, Amelia Serenity Palmer as well as friends all over the globe.
Paul was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, a skilled builder, and a faithful pastor. He leaves a lasting effect on the lives of people around the world. While Paul is deeply missed, his family also takes comfort in knowing that Paul has gone on to the reward Jesus promised him.
Memorial donations may be made to Omega Missions, where a portion will help with funeral expenses, and a portion will go toward the girls’ homes in Thailand and Burma that were so close to Paul’s heart.
An online guestbook is available at scottmorrisfh.com.
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940-825-3338 • www.scottmorrisfh.com
December 26, 1942 – August 28, 2026
BELLEVUE – Jimmie Dale Johnson, 83, died on Aug. 28, 2026 in Wichita Falls.
A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26 at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue Life Center.
He was born Dec. 26, 1942 in Fort Worth to James Jeffrey and Nellie Mae (Frazier) Johnson. He worked in the oilfield and for Robert’s Radiator Shop in Bowie for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; partner, Arlene Denton; brothers, Bill Lewis and Bob Lewis; sisters, Betty Huber, Mary Goodner, and twin sisters, Jessie Mayo and Peggy Ferrin.
He is survived by his stepson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
August 8, 1972 – September 5, 2026
BOWIE – LaDonna Mae Howell, 54, died on Sept. 5, 2026.
A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
She was born on Aug. 8, 1972. She was a graduate of Kinta High School in Kinta, OK where she graduated in 1990 as the valedictorian.
She continued her education at East Central University in Ada, OK earning her bachelor degree in accounting with honors in 1994. That same year, she became a certified public accountant.
She worked for Beverly Industries and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma before serving as vice president of business affairs at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. Later, she became the comptroller at North Central Texas College in Gainesville. She also served as the treasurer of the Bowie High School Mighty Marching
Maroon Band Boosters for many years.
She is survived by her son, Andrew Charles Howell, Longtown, OK; daughter, Amanda Rae Howell, Bowie; her children’s father, Michael Ray Howell, Saginaw and three grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
January 26, 2026 – September 4, 2026
NOCONA – Bobby (Jerry) Orrell, 87, died on Sept. 4, 2026.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
He born in Decatur on Jan. 26, 1939 to Elizabeth and Willie.
He was a United States Army veteran who served his country in Germany. He worked for ARCO National Supply in Gainesville as a supervisor. He worked for Bell Helicopter, Otis Elevator and General Dynamics. He also worked for Boeing as an engineer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Willie; sister, Norma Morby and brother, Bill (Buster) Orrell.
He is survived by his sons, Hannan and Caton; three grandchildren and brother, Leo Orrell.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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