OBITUARIES
Kenneth Ray Deaton
Kenneth Ray Deaton
September 21, 1940 – November 26, 2023
BOWIE – Kenneth Ray Deaton, 83, passed away in his home surrounded by family on Nov. 26, 2023.
The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church on Dec. 2.
A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Dec. 2 at the Montague County Cowboy Church in Montague with Pastor Joe Caballero officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie.
Kenneth Ray Deaton was born in Duncan, OK on Sept. 21, 1940 to William R. (Bill) Deaton and Eula (Harris) Deaton. He grew up in Loco, OK where he met his wife of 61 years, June (Haston) Deaton.
Kenneth and June were married on June 23, 1962. Kenneth worked for Brown & Root and later for Halliburton in Duncan, OK. In 1967, he worked for Koch Oil and transferred to Nocona in 1971. They moved to Bowie in 1972 where they raised their children and Kenneth worked in the oil field as a gauger. Later he owned and operated Deaton’s Pipe Service until 1984 when he went to work for Lockheed Martin as an aircraft mechanic until his retirement. Kenneth loved worshiping and serving at Montague County Cowboy Church and participated on several committees.
Kenneth’s love for his wife and family was his top priority. He loved spending time with his grandkids. They were his pride and joy. Another great love was fishing and spending time at the lake. His most cherished times were when he could combine fishing and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Eula Deaton.
Kenneth is survived by his wife, June; son, Kent Deaton and wife Deidra, Alvord; son, Keith Deaton and wife Tami, Krum; grandkids, Dillon Deaton and wife Jimmie Jo, Logan Deaton, Jarrett Deaton, and Halle Deaton; great-grandchildren, Berkley and Case Deaton; and brother, Billy Bob Deaton, Meridian, OK.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to Montague County Cowboy Church.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
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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