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
Steven Douglas Drury
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.
OBITUARIES
John Wayne Shelton
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.
OBITUARIES
Weldon Ray Duff
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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