OBITUARIES
David Lee Waldrip
January 7, 1939 – August 17, 2023
NOCONA – David Lee Waldrip, 84, died on Aug. 17, 2023.
A funeral service will be at 2 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the First Baptist Church in Nocona officiated by the Rev. Dave Woodbury. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery.
He was born on Jan. 7, 1939 to Edison and Pearl Waldrip in Nocona. He professed his faith in the Lord on May 5, 1948 and was later baptized at First Baptist Church of Nocona where he remained a member for the entirety of his life. He graduated from Nocona High School in 1957. He was a baseball and track star but was best known as an all-state football player where he was the co-captain of the team. He was voted best looking, most athletic, class favorite and class president his senior year.
Shortly after he graduated he married his high school sweetheart, Seda Vineyard and together they had three children. Waldrip received an accounting degree and he worked various jobs utilizing his degree in the metroplex. After he retired, he moved back to his hometown where he bought and ran the Nocona Radio Shack along with an electronic and video store. Years later he managed several rental properties and opened up Nocona Auto.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife, Seda Waldrip; brother, Eddie Charles Waldrip; children, Eddie Joe Waldrip, Michael Waldrip and Karen Robertson, all of Nocona; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
In-Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nocona Carpenter Shop.
Arrangements entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral home.
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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