OBITUARIES
Betty J. Fuller Flinn
August 28, 1931 – May 5, 2024
BUFFALO SPRINGS – Betty J. Fuller Flinn departed this life and went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 5, 2024.
A visitation will be from 6 – 7 p.m. on May 10 at Davis Funeral Home in Henrietta. A graveside service will be at 10:30 a.m. on May 11 at Buffalo Springs Cemetery with the Rev. Billy Waller officiating. Burial will be under the direction of Davis Funeral Home.
Betty was born Aug. 28, 1931 in Pleasant Valley to Charlie and Bill Evans Fuller of Buffalo Springs. She graduated high school in Bellevue and resided most of her life in Buffalo Springs. She attended some of her school days at Midway School and also served as a teacher’s aide at Midway for several years.
Betty had deep roots in Clay County. Betty was a Clay County Pioneer Association Duchess and always enjoyed the Pioneer Reunion festivities. She received the honor, along with her husband Harry, as being the oldest married couple for three years. She also was recognized as the Oldest Native Daughter in 2023. Betty actively served her community in many ways. She was president of the Buffalo Springs Cemetery Association for a number of years. She also was a member of Buffalo Springs Rock Church and loved attending services there.
Betty was a loyal and dedicated wife and mother. She was extremely dedicated to her children and she spent her life making their needs a priority. Betty also was a talented seamstress and actively sewed all her adult life making clothes, especially western shirts, for her friends and family. Betty was known for her acts of service, her love of family, her deeds of kindness and her generous spirit. Betty will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Betty married Harry Joseph Flinn of Bellevue on Dec. 26, 1949. He preceded her in death on Aug. 4, 2021.
They had four children: Charles Ray Flinn (deceased) and wife Sheron Clemmons Flinn, Gilmer, TX, Pamela Kay Flinn, Buffalo Springs, Roger Thomas Flinn and wife Melba Akin Flinn, Bluegrove and Clarence Lawton Flinn and wife Angel Cooper Flinn, Wills Point. Betty also is survived by her brother, Gerald Fuller and wife Patsy Davis Fuller, Wichita Falls and Pat Dunn, Bowie; nine grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to Davis Funeral Home of Henrietta.
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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