OBITUARIES
Don Fenner
December 23, 1933- September 13, 2023
NOCONA – Don Fenner, 89, died on Sept. 13, 2023 in Nocona.
A family visitation was from 6-7 p.m., Sept. 18 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona. A celebration of life was at 2 p.m Sept. 19 at Bethel Baptist Church, Nocona, officiated by Jonathan Brown.
Interment followed at Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers were Robin Walker, Cecil Sparks, David Woolery, Dana Woolery, Ken Koontz, Clint Snow, Jerry Dan Davis, and Donnie Davis. Honorary Pallbearers are Dax Stilwell, Jameson and River Fenner, Tommy Walker, Heath Walker, Kolby Walker, Andre’ Walker, Tyler Price, RJ Walker, Collin Fergason, Liam and Leroy Walker.
He was born on Dec. 23, 1933 in Iowa Park to Jesse Leonard “Jack” Fenner and Louisa Ellen “Louell” Smith Fenner. He was a 1952 graduate of Nocona High School where he played football. He played basketball, baseball, ran track, and participated in FFA. After graduation, he continued playing sports for many years while participating in the Montague County Men’s Inter-Mural Volleyball League, Bowling leagues, and was even a Golden Gloves boxer in 1961. He served as a volunteer fireman, a youth league umpire, and coached for the Golden Gloves Boxing organization. He was a charter member of Jean’s Men’s Bible Class in Nocona.
In 1961, He married Virginia Mae Rich Fenner at his parent’s home in Nocona. Together they shared a blended family of four children. After getting married, they first lived in Bridgeport and eventually settled in Nocona.
He worked on a work-over unit servicing oil wells. Then, he held various jobs for multiple oil companies and later ran his own work-over rig. Around 1971, he began pumping at the North Field in Spanish Fort. He pumped for multiple companies and independent well owners until his retirement in 2018 at age 85.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Louell Fenner; sisters, Noma Martin, Bennie Dennis, and Lavene Taylor; brothers, Leonard Doyle and Walter “Lee” Fenner; sons, Leslie Wade Walker and Ricky Alan Walker; one grandson and two great-grandsons.
He is survived by his wife, Virginia Fenner; daughter, Debra “LeAnne” Owen; son, Farrell Fenner and 11 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandbabies.
In lieu of flowers can be made to Lucky Paws Animal Shelter 653 Airport Rd. Nocona, TX 76255, or to Bethel Baptist Church 310 Seventh St., Nocona, TX 76255 or a charity of your choice.
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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