OBITUARIES
Danny Grooms
Oct 8, 1957 – Aug 23, 2024
COPPERAS COVE – Danny Grooms, 66, a beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend passed away peacefully at home Aug. 23,2024 in Copperas Cove, TX.
He was born on Oct. 8, 1957, in Fort Worth, TX. Danny’s life was a treasure trove of memories filled with love, laughter and adventure.
Danny spent over 15 years of his life working at Bowie Industries, where he was respected not only for his skills but also for his camaraderie with colleagues. He took pride in his work and embodied a strong work ethic that served as an inspiration to his family and friends. Beyond his career, he enriched his life with diverse educational pursuits, earning his GED along with various certifications, including radiator repair, commercial cooking, CPR and first aid, and fire safety and rescue. Danny even possessed a unique “back seat driver’s license,” a testament to his playful spirit and love for sharing joy with those around him.
His dedication to community was exemplified through his work with the Frontier Shores Volunteer Fire Department in Bowie where he served as the volunteer Assistant Fire Chief. Danny played a pivotal role in updating and reopening the department, recognizing the urgent need for swift responses to fires to protect his community. His sense of duty and commitment to making a difference will never be forgotten.
Throughout his life, Danny found deep joy in fishing, a passion he had shared with his father, Onie Grooms. Many of their weekends spent by the water often included camping trips that became cherished family traditions with his children, Danielle and Thommy. In a heartwarming moment, Danny was able to check one of his bucket list items off when he fished with his grandson, Colton Grooms, in July 2024. Together they caught three fish each, creating a precious memory that will be held dear by all.
Danny’s adventurous spirit also led him to love trains. He meticulously built three H&O scale model railroad displays over the years, captivating the imaginations of his children. One of his favorite moments came when he rode the Fort Worth metro train in March 2024 for the first time with his daughter Danielle, and his grandson, Colton and also Kendreya. These experiences were more than just hobbies; they were ways for Danny to create bonds of love and joy with his family.
Danny was preceded in death by his beloved fiancée, Regina McFarland; his father, Onie Grooms and his mother, Mary Grooms.
Danny is survived by his daughter, Danielle Grooms; his son, Thomas Grooms; and his cherished grandson, Colton Grooms. He leaves behind a loving family that includes his brother-in-law and sister, Steve and Rosemary Duncan; his nieces, Barbara Harvin and Dani-Ann Peretti; his great nephews, Charles Farar, C.D. Harvin, Wesley Johnson; and his great nieces, Noelle Harvin and Aysia Tanner, and many more cherished nieces and nephews, Joshua James, Christopher Huff, Heather Huff, Elizabeth Vahle, Brandon Vahle, Courtney Vahle and Breanna Finkley—each of whom holds a special piece of his heart.
Danny Grooms’ legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched, the love he shared, and the memories that will forever bring smiles to the faces of those who knew him. He will be profoundly missed but lovingly remembered for the warmth and joy he brought into the lives of all he encountered.
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OBITUARIES
Gloria Kay Bell
October 23, 1946 – November 15, 2024
Little River-Academy, TX – Gloria Kay Bell, 78, went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 15, 2024.
A funeral service will take place at 2 p.m. on Nov. 21 at the Saint Peter Lutheran Church in Bowie with the Rev. Lavern Janssen and the Rev. Mark DeYoung officiating. Burial will follow at Hopewell Cemetery in Stoneburg. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.
Gloria was born on Oct. 23, 1946 in Bowie to Russell and Linda (Roth) Johnson. She married the love of her life, Ronnie Bell on July 5, 1969 at St. Peter Lutheran Church, where she also was baptized and confirmed. Ronnie and Gloria shared 55 happy years together.
Gloria loved little children and her family. She loved to sing, participating in school choirs and also church choirs where she attended worship. She also loved to paint, selling several paintings and having her artwork displayed in galleries. People from all over are still enjoying her talent.
She retired from First Financial Bank of Abilene where she worked in several different departments which kept her on her toes, but she loved her job and working with the public.
She is preceded in death by her parents.
Gloria is survived by her husband, Ronnie Bell, Little River-Academy, TX; son, Brian Bell and wife Shanna, Wagoner, OK; daughter, Lori Johnson and husband Brandon, Winchester, KY; brother, Steven Johnson and wife Joslon, Nocona; sister, Doria Counts and husband James, Graham; grandchildren, Hailey Bell and Hayden Bell and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Rhonda Duncan Ford
August 15, 1951 – November 15, 2024
NOCONA – Rhonda Duncan Ford, 73, died Nov. 15, 2024.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 20 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. A graveside service will be at noon Nov. 21 at the Joy Cemetery, 8830 Old Joy Shannon Rd, Henrietta, TX 76365, with Bro. Rex Cobb officiating
She was born on Aug. 15, 1951, to J.M. and June Duncan in Amarillo. She attended Vernon Regional Junior College obtaining her nursing license as a licensed vocational nurse. She worked for many years at nursing homes around Bowie. In the 90’s she went to work for Dr. Len Dingler in Nocona and the Nocona General Hospital for a while. She married Bobby Ford on Aug. 10, 1979.
She is preceded in death by her parents, J.M Duncan and June Duncan; her husband of 41 years, Bobby Lee Ford; sister, Gail Schenk; daughter, Teresa Quillen nd newborn son, Floyd Alan Ford.
She is survived by children, Kenneth Ford, David Ford, Clarissa Fletcher and Amie Mankhambira; one son-in-law; 14 grandchildren; sisters, Jamie Baack, Mica Duncan Thomas and Sharla Gallion; one sister-in-law and many great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
OBITUARIES
Melvin David Corley
December 20, 1936 – November 16, 2024
NOCONA – Melvin David Corley, 87, died Nov. 16, 2024 at his home.
A visitation was at 10 a.m. on Nov. 19 at The First Baptist Church in Nocona. A funeral service followed at 11 a.m. Interment was at the Nocona cemetery.
He was born Dec. 20, 1936 in Joy, TX to Clifton and Pearl (Browning) Corley. He attended Midway and Wichita Falls Old High School. He moved to Nocona in 1954 and graduated with the class of 1955. At Nocona High School he met Minnie Kerr and the couple married at Northside Baptist Church on Sept. 21, 1956.
He served in the military and when discharged on Aug. 11, 1965, he was a Staff Sergeant E6 with Troop A Second Squadron 124 Calvary. He was Nocona Boot Company supervisor for more than 30 years and a licensed realtor. He was a member of Northside Landmark Missionary Baptist Church where he served as deacon, director of music and Sunday School superintendent. He also obtained an associate degree from North Central Texas College.
Corley is past worshipful master of the Nocona Lodge #753 and past worthy patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter #62. In his active years he was a Scottish Rite and a member of the Maskat Shrine Temple in Wichita Falls. He also served as chairman of the board for the Rainbow Girls. He coached the Nocona Boot Company little league baseball team and led them to receive the first-place trophy. He served as official scorekeeper for the girl’s softball league and was a cub scout master for troop 108.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Clifton and Pearl Corley; sisters, Patsy Whitsitt and Mary Jo Murry; brothers, Dale Corley and Steve Corley one niece and one great-granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife, Minnie Corley; daughter, Carol Patterson; son, John Corley; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews, family members and lots of friends.
Memorial donations may be made to the Northside Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Nocona.
Arrangements entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral Home of Nocona.
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