OBITUARIES
Nelda Joanne (Clayton) Hightower
March 16, 1933 – August 10, 2024
BOWIE – In loving memory of the beloved Nelda Joanne (Clayton) Hightower, 91, a cherished and long-time resident of Bowie, who peacefully departed to be with her Lord and Savior on Aug. 10, 2024, surrounded by her beloved family.
A funeral service to honor her remarkable life will take place at 11 a.m. on Aug. 14 at White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery in Bowie. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 13 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to Nelda Joanne Hightower, a woman whose love, grace and kindness left an indelible mark on countless lives. Born on March 16, 1933 in Bowie, Nelda’s passing has left behind a legacy of unwavering compassion and selfless dedication.
She is preceded in death by her husband, JW Hightower; grandson, Michael Lynn Bell; parents, Jess P. and Melissa V. Clayton and siblings, Ocie Clayton, Wendell Clayton, Opal Erwin, Doris Hankins and Ethel Slayden.
Nelda is survived by her daughter, Diana Reneau and husband Kenneth; son, Keith Hightower and wife Carla; grandchildren, Jason Bell and wife Lillian, Kevin Bell and wife Lori, Colby Hightower and Colton Hightower as well as 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Nelda’s gentle spirit and boundless love brought joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her. As we grieve her loss we take solace in the cherished memories of her warmth, comfort and unwavering support. May her legacy of love continue to shine brightly in our hearts for eternity.
Rest in peace. Your love will forever be remembered and treasured.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
February 9, 1968 – July 4, 2026
BOWIE – Steven Douglas Drury, 58 died on July 4, 2026.
A private celebration of life for the family was on July 10.
He was an entrepreneur and created his business Drill Rig Depot.
He is survived by his wife, Christina Drury; four children, Sydney, Ben, Bailey and Josie; six grandchildren; parents, Don and Lois Drury; and brothers, David, Danny and Christopher.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
December 22, 1959 – July 1, 2026
SUNSET – John Wayne Shelton, 66, died on July 1, 2026.
There was a celebration of life for him from 5 – 7 p.m. on July 10 at Nocona Brewery.
He was born on Dec. 22, 1959 to Wade and Thelma Shelton in Nocona. He worked in the oilfield most of his life. He married Stephanie Burleson on Dec. 13, 1984 in Nocona.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his children, Jared Shelton, Bowie and Stacia Lorenz, Tennessee; sister, Serina Thomas, Bowie; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Memorial donations made to the American Heart Association, www.heart.org.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home of Nocona.
March 3, 1962 – July 6, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – Weldon Ray Duff, 64, died on July 6, 2026.
There was a visitation from 6 – 7 p.m. on July 10 at Jerry Woods Chapel in Nocona. A graveside service was at 10 a.m. on July 11 at Ringgold Cemetery with Richard Allen officiating. Pallbearers will be Mike Bonham, Jimmy Smith, Hatch Womack, Lynn Bugsy Allen, Blake Allen, Marlin Franklin, Joe Barnhill and Butch Matthews.
Duff was born on March 3, 1962 in Henrietta to Benjamin Franklin Duff Jr. and Myra Durham Duff. He worked as a machinist and was known as a “Jack-Of-All-Trades.”
Duff was a member of Bowie Masonic Lodge 578. He married Jowana Bussey on Aug. 8, 1980 in Ringgold.
He is preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Jowana Duff, Ringgold; daughter, Jessica Lierly, Collinsville; sister, Becky Case, Stoneburg; brother, Benjamin Franklin Duff III, Lonegrove, OK and three grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 440 Cypress Ave., Wichita Falls or Ringgold Cemetery Association, 1108 Hanson Rd., Ringgold.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona.
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