OBITUARIES
Sheila Inez (Durbin) McKinley
January 12, 1964 – May 20, 2024
BOWIE – Sheila Inez (Durbin) McKinley, 60, went to be with the Lord on May 20, 2024. She was a vivacious, fearless soul who loved life and all of those she met in it.
A visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on May 28 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. A funeral service will take place at 1 p.m. on May 29 at the Central Baptist Church, 710 W. Wise St. Bowie, with Pastor Gregg Shaw officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie with Dylan Dixon, Bowdie Dixon, Levi Kixmiller, Bryce Baumstark, Brantley Milan and Aiden McKinley serving as pallbearers.
Sheila was born Jan. 12, 1964 in Lawton, OK to Walt and Linda Durbin. Her family traveled for most of her childhood while Walt served in the Army. Sheila would find herself in Wilburton, OK, where she graduated high school and then went on to college at the Eastern Oklahoma College. She received an associates degree; however Sheila put her educational plans on hold to raise her family. Her son Kevin was born in 1982, and in 1985 her daughter Destiny. Sheila adored her children and her role as being their mother. She loved to spend her days at the lake with her “water babies” or dancing. Even after Sheila’s stroke her son would hold her up so they could two step.
After Sheila’s children were older she would go on to teach as a substitute teacher for several years. Her students would describe her as caring and compassionate. Her enthusiastic love for life kept her students excited and eager to learn.
In 1999 Sheila was given one of favorite titles, “Nana.” Her grandbabies were her world. She loved taking them on rides with her convertible top down, music blaring. 1999 was a big year, that’s also when she met the love of her life, Darwin McKinley. She fell deeply in love and married him in July of 2000. Sheila and Darwin made their home in Bowie. The two traveled the United States with Darwin’s work. Sheila would spend her time shopping or at the pool making new friends. She had a knack for gab and never met a stranger.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Walt and Linda Durbin; grandson, Eli Sorensen and nephew, Allen Durbin Jr.
Sheila is survived by her loving husband of 24 years, Darwin, Bowie; son, Kevin Dixon and wife Brandy, Lone Grove, OK; daughter, Destiny Owens and husband J.W., Ardmore, OK; stepdaughter, Constance Sorensen and husband Jason, College Station; stepson, Lee McKinley, College Station; 12 grandchildren, Callie, Dylan, Ashlynn, Liberty, Bowdie, Levi, Bryce, Brantley, Lainey, Aiden, Kinley and Jude; four great-grandbabies, Stetson, Whitlee, Jackson and Holly; sister, Julina Vandiver and husband Rick, Bowie and two brothers, Allen Durbin and wife Heather, Healdton, OK and Freddie Durbin, Broken Bow, OK.
The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will. That’s exactly what Sheila did. She will forever live in our hearts and in our memories.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Barbara Jean Latham
June 9, 1945 – April 29, 2026
BOWIE – Barbara Jean Latham, 80, beloved mother, passed away on April 29, 2026 when her battle with cancer ended.
Barbara was laid to rest at Bomarton Cemetery, next to her husband.
Barbara was born on June 9, 1945, in Portland, OR. She was a long-time resident of Sweetwater. She spent the last part of her life living in Bowie. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She also loved her ladies (chickens) and garage sales.
Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Young Latham and her mother, Adeline Mae Ballenger.
Barbara is survived by her son Harold Betts; daughters, Jamie Latham Shaw and Jenisu Latham; siblings Buddy Covington, Thomas Covington, Ronnie Covington, Sharon Covington Posey, Joe Covington, Melissa Evans and Judy Johson; and numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Maggie Killen
November 5, 1938 – April 18, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – Maggie Killen, 87, died on April 18, 2026.
A graveside service took place at 1 p.m. on April 27 at Salona Cemetery near Bowie.
She was born on Nov. 5, 1938 in Bowie to Bertha Irene (Brewer) and Emmett Franklin Thompson. She was a graduate of Bowie High School. She was an oil information secretary and later in life as a business office manager in a skilled nursing home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha Irene and Emmett Franklin Thompson: sisters; Gracie McNatt, Berneice Oliver, Ola Mae Deeton, Ernestine Ray and Dorothy Woolf: brothers; Kelly Thompson, John Thompson, Lonnie Thompson, Wayne Thompson and Tommy Thompson; son, Ricky Wallace and daughter, Vicki Cullens.
She is survived by two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to University Park Nursing and Rehab.
OBITUARIES
Sammy Joe Mitchell
June 4, 1947 – April 19, 2026
SPAINSH FORT – Sammy Joe Mitchell, 78, died on April 19, 2026.
There was a visitation from 5-6 p.m. on April 24 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona.
A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on April 25 at Spanish Fort Cemetery in Spanish Fort.
He was born on June 4, 1947 in Nocona to Bonnie O. Mitchell Jr. & Mary Lou Cross Mitchell. He grew up in the Spanish Fort area and went to school at Prairie Valley Schools. He was a hard-working farmer, rancher and mechanic all of his life and served his nation in the Airforce. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Spanish Fort. He married the love of his life Robbie Hawthorne on May 8, 1971 in Nocona.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven Chris Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife, Robbie Mitchell, Spanish Fort; children, Joe Chris Mitchell, Spanish Fort and Kasie Hamilton, Bowie; sister, Bonnie Robertson, Spanish Fort; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to The Montague County Youth Fair, c/o Kenton Holloway, 5549 F.M. 1758, Bowie, TX 76230.
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