OBITUARIES
Paul Wells

MONTAGUE – Paul Wells, 86, went to his Heavenly home on Dec. 23, 2022 in Bowie.
A celebration of his life took place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 29 at the First Baptist Church in Montague with pastor Mickey Miller as the officiant. Burial followed at the Montague Cemetery. The family received friends from 1 – 2 p.m. prior to the service at the First Baptist Church fellowship hall.
Paul was born in Beeville, TX to Ed and Jewel Smith Wells and was the eldest of six children. When he was only a few weeks old, the family moved to Orr, OK, later to Stoneburg and eventually to Bowie. He found it necessary to quit school after eighth grade in order to work and help support his family.
In 1956 Paul married Frances Palmer and from this union were born three children, Charley, Paula and Kenneth. He later married Mary Francis Guilliams on Feb. 21, 1970 thus adding her seven children, Andy, Randy, Dale, Dean, April, Patty and Jeff to the home. Paul was a dedicated father and provider for his family and a loving husband to Mary for 45 years, until her passing in 2015. He again found love with his sweetheart Carolyn Guilliams, where they enjoyed companionship for more than six years, until her recent passing.
Paul was a backhoe operator from the age of 21 until his retirement. He took pride in his work and was well known in the area for his exceptional skill. He enjoyed working and if anyone asked what his occupation was, he’d smile and say that he liked to play in the dirt all day. Paul retired from Energy Well Service in 2014 at the age of 78. Upon his retirement, he enjoyed time with his family and his church family. He was ordained a deacon in the First Baptist Church on Sept. 19, 2021.
Paul is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Archie Wells, Gene Wells, Velda Swaim and JoGrace Barker; son, Dean Duke; grandsons, Johnny Duke, Dusty Tucker and Jarrett Duke and sweetheart, Carolyn Guilliams.
Paul is survived by his children, Andy Duke, Montague, Randy Duke and wife Cheryl, Plantersville, Charley Wells, Holliday, Dale Duke and wife Danna, Andrews, Paula Lovelace, Wichita Falls, April Decker and husband Clay, Alva, OK, Kenneth Wells and wife Traci, Saint Jo and Patty Tucker and husband Carl, Bowie; 28 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren and sister, Ruby Byrne, Wichita Falls as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
His gentle nature, honest character, hard work ethic and faith in God will be his lasting legacy. Paul will be greatly missed but we know he is standing straight and tall with his loved ones in Heaven and “good Lord willin”, we’ll see him again some day.
The family would like to thank the staff at Advanced Rehab in Bowie for their kind caring of their Dad and Pawpaw these last few weeks.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Montague Cemetery Association or First Baptist Church of Montague.
Services are under the direction of Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona.
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OBITUARIES
Mary Lou (Smith) Winn

May 29, 1940 – September 21, 2023
Bowie – Mary Lou (Smith) Winn, 83, passed away Sept. 21.
Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on, Oct. 3 at the White family Funeral Home. A Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. on Oct. 4 at the the White Family Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.
Mary Lou was born May 29, 1940 in Ventura, CA to Floyd and Lena Smith. Mary Lou graduated high school in Monahans, TX. She was a majorette in the band, enjoyed ballet and was an avid dove hunter.
After graduating high school, one of her fondest memories was of her senior trip to California with her classmates. She moved to Houston to attend Southwest Medical School. Post medical school, she moved to Euless and worked many years at Irving Community Hospital and Medical Cities Dallas managing the lab department.
Mary Lou married Kenneth Winn in April 1977. She continued in the medical field, working 17 years at Bowie Memorial Hospital. She also owned a store in downtown Bowie known as Collections for many years. It was in those first years of their lives together that they started taking their family to Vail, CO every summer. This tradition continued until they retired and were able to fulfill a lifetime dream of owning a home in the mountains. From that point, they spent summers in Colorado and winters in Texas.
Mary Lou is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Lena Smith; brother, Gordan Smith; and great-grandchild, Eli Sorensen.
Mary Lou is survived by her husband, Kenneth; children, Cindy McKinley, Tod Ramirez and wife Tracie, Jeff Winn and wife Mary Lynn, Kim Ramirez, Kris Winn, Tiffany Reese and husband Brad; grandchildren, Lee McKinley, Constance Sorensen, Ryan Ramirez, Jacob Anderson, Alyssa Cole, Lucas Winn, Keni Reese and Roxi Reese; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Norman Smith and wife Janet; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home.
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1418 Highway 59 N.
Bowie, Tx
940-872-9993
OBITUARIES
Billy Warren Godfrey

July 18, 1940- September 25, 2023
BOWIE – Billy Warren Godfrey, 83, passed away after a brief battle with cancer on the evening of Sept. 25 surrounded by his family. Despite the devastating prognosis, Bill’s faith never wavered, and he never lost his wit and humor. He was making jokes and laughing with family and friends until the end.
A visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the White Family Funeral Home
The funeral service was at 10 a.m. on Sept. 29, at Faith Baptist Church in Bowie with a burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Pallbearers were Donny Bishop, Scott Bishop, Jon Butler, Rex Hamilton, Ron McInroe, and Larry Sanders. Honorary Pallbearers were Lucas Butler, Jacob Butler, Chris Cothes, Paul Oyler, Jack Uselton and Tyson Winton.
Bill was born July 18, 1940 in Buffalo Springs, to Bonnie and Sidney Godfrey. He spent most of his childhood in Bowie, where he graduated from Bowie High School in 1959.
After high school graduation, Bill joined the United States Army National Guard. However, Bill’s greatest life achievements were his marriage of 56 years to Mary (Posey), his daughters, Kristal and Karmen, and grandchildren, Faith, Lucas, and Jacob. His family and faith were the centerpieces of Bill’s life.
He is preceded in death by his father and mother; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ennis and Estelle Posey; son-in-law, Michael Wood; and brother-in-law, JD Allen.
Bill is survived by his wife; daughters, Jackie Hardwick and husband Jim, Kristal Butler and husband Jon, and Karmen Wood; his grandchildren, Cooper Syvertsen, Meagan Hardwick, Faith Butler, Lucas Butler, and Jacob Butler; his sisters-in-laws, Delores Ellis, Patsy McInroe and husband Ron, and Jan Frost. He also leaves behind many very special nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.
The family wishes to thank Bill’s caregivers Kelley Hamilton and Ashton Talamantes, as well as the staff at Advanced Nursing and Rehab and the staff at UT Southwestern William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Michael Wood Endowed Scholarship in Finance & Accounting at Baylor University or Camp John Marc to aid in their mission in providing a camp experience to kids, teens, and families living with chronic medical and physical challenges at no cost to the families.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home.
Paid Publication
1418 Highway 59 N.
Bowie, Texas
(940)-872-9993
OBITUARIES
Wanda Rae (Scarber) Davis

May 24, 1929 – September 22, 2023
BOWIE – Wanda Rae (Scarber) Davis, passed away Sept. 22 in Bowie at the age of 94 years old.
She was born on May 24, 1929 in Post Oak to Riley and Edna (Coker) Scarber.
Funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Sept. 25, at Coker Funeral Home in Jacksboro. Burial followed at Post Oak Cemetery.
Wanda married Oscar Davis on July 2, 1950, in Bowie. Together they made their home in Post Oak, where they raised their family. Wanda was one of the original organizers of the Post Oak Busy Bees Quilting Club, where she made many beautiful quilts and friends.
She also was an active member of the Post Oak Community Center and the Post Oak Cemetery Association. Wanda was also well known for her weekly articles in the Jacksboro Herald-Gazette, The Bowie News, and the Clay County Leader. Wanda will be truly missed by those who loved and knew her.
Wanda is preceded in death by her husband and parents.
Those left behind to cherish her memory include her children; Sheila Schindler and Mitchel Davis and wife Brandin; grandchildren, Parker Davis and wife Cynthia, Carter Davis and wife Sydney, Taylor Sorensen, Caden Eary, and Ryan Eary; four great-grandchildren; and brother Nathan Scarber.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Post Oak Cemetery Association 22629 FM 2127, Bowie, TX 7623 or Jack County Rural Fire Department P.O. Box 150, Jacksboro, TX 76458.
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