OBITUARIES
Joe Pat McCracken
December 28, 1940 – June 25, 2024
PLANO – Joe Pat McCracken, 83, passed away on June 25, 2024, entering the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many, Joe leaves behind a legacy of devotion, hard work and cherished memories.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on June 29 at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. A service will be at 2 p.m. on June 30 at the First Baptist Church of Bowie, with son-in-law Tom Grace officiating.
Born on Dec. 28, 1940 to Bonnie Mae and Oscar Fred McCracken in Bowie, Joe graduated from Bowie High School in 1959. He continued his education at Arlington State College (now the University of Texas at Arlington) before joining the Texas National Guard. Joe completed basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, then Fort Dix, NJ. He was later mobilized with the 49th Armored Division to Fort Polk, LA in August 1961.
On Nov. 10, 1961 Joe married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Dorothy (Dot) Overstreet. They were blessed with two children: Lori Michelle in 1967 and Stephen Chad in 1971.
Joe’s career as a service engineer for Industrial Woodworking Company in Garland allowed him to travel extensively. His work took him across the United States and to far-flung locations including New Zealand, Australia, Mexico, Prince Edward Island, Canada and Chile. Later, he co-founded a consulting business, continuing his international travels. Before retirement, Joe briefly worked for Kennametal, Inc.
An avid Texas Longhorns fan, Joe proudly attended the last Texas A&M vs. Texas rivalry game in College Station with his family in 2011. As the sole Texas fan in a house divided, he never let his family forget the Longhorns’ victory that day. Hook ‘em!
Joe’s warmth, humor and love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, James and Mary McCracken and Henry and Sarah Brown; twin sisters, Sarah Henry and Sandra Briggs and infant grandson, Stephen Cash McCracken.
Joe is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Dot; daughter, Lori Grace (Tom); son, Chad (Whitney); eight adoring grandchildren, Cade, Ty and Presli Grace, Taelor Martinez (Chris), Emma and Addi Short and Gracie and Kaci McCracken and great-grandchildren, Lyla and Kason Martinez.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
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
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.
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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