OBITUARIES
Barbara Gail Covey Hutson
WEATHERFORD – Barbara Gail Covey Hutson, 85, passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2024 at her home in Weatherford, surrounded by her loved ones.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Newport Cemetery in Newport, TX.
Gail was born in Goree, TX in 1939 to parents Houston E. and Berniece Covey. Gail lived most of her younger years in Fort Worth until her family moved to Bowie when she was in the eighth grade. Although shy by nature she always said the move to Bowie afforded her new experiences she wouldn’t have had in Fort Worth such as being a part of the nationally acclaimed Bowie High School band and the Bowie Rodeo Club, which allowed her to enjoy her love of horses. Upon graduating from Bowie High School in 1957 she attended Sul Ross University in Alpine, TX majoring in English.
Gail was a creative person who loved the arts, whether it was literature, theatre, movies or art. She wrote poetry and as an avid reader, her home was filled with books. Fine art was one of her passions and she worked with various mediums. Although her work was never sold in galleries, several pieces received top honors in art shows. Her sketch of the Parker County Courthouse is used for pamphlets, posters and other signage for the Parker County Historical Commission. Her artwork, now treasured heirlooms, will be enjoyed by her family and descendants for years to come.
Additionally, she had a passion for music which was a part of her life until the day she died. Considered a child prodigy on the piano, she performed on the “Young Americans” program at the age of 10 on WBAP-TV in Fort Worth. She took pleasure in passing on the love of piano by teaching her granddaughter, Blair, to play since her biggest passion of all was her family. Considering it her finest achievement, she raised two children with her husband, Red, creating a loving family bond that will continue to grow and blossom with each new generation.
Gail was a member of the Weatherford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution National Society, one of the oldest chapters in Texas. Gail’s sixth great grandfather, Samuel Covey, was one of the 900 Patriots who fought at the Battle of Kings Mountain in South Carolina in 1780. The Battle of Kings Mountain was one of the most decisive engagements in the American War of Independence.
Gail was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Dairel Hutson and is survived by her daughter, Janna Gail Blumentritt and husband Bruce; son, Jason Covey Hutson and wife Jennifer; grandchildren, Blair Willmott and husband Justin, Marlowe Streck and husband Joe and grandson, Layne Hutson; nephews, Greg Hutson, Spencer Freidl, Peter and Mark Covey; nieces, Ann Covey Smith and Laura Covey Danforth and her aunt, Charlotte Lloyd, as well as great grandchildren, Skylar and Houston Willmott.
Memorial donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the American Heart Association or Give Kids The Arts, an organization that helps provide art, music, dance and theater supplies to children.
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OBITUARIES
Jimmie Dale Johnson
December 26, 1942 – August 28, 2026
BELLEVUE – Jimmie Dale Johnson, 83, died on Aug. 28, 2026 in Wichita Falls.
A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 26 at the First Baptist Church of Bellevue Life Center.
He was born Dec. 26, 1942 in Fort Worth to James Jeffrey and Nellie Mae (Frazier) Johnson. He worked in the oilfield and for Robert’s Radiator Shop in Bowie for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; partner, Arlene Denton; brothers, Bill Lewis and Bob Lewis; sisters, Betty Huber, Mary Goodner, and twin sisters, Jessie Mayo and Peggy Ferrin.
He is survived by his stepson and numerous nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
OBITUARIES
LaDonna Mae Howell
August 8, 1972 – September 5, 2026
BOWIE – LaDonna Mae Howell, 54, died on Sept. 5, 2026.
A funeral service took place at 11 a.m. on Sept. 10 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
She was born on Aug. 8, 1972. She was a graduate of Kinta High School in Kinta, OK where she graduated in 1990 as the valedictorian.
She continued her education at East Central University in Ada, OK earning her bachelor degree in accounting with honors in 1994. That same year, she became a certified public accountant.
She worked for Beverly Industries and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma before serving as vice president of business affairs at Eastern Oklahoma State College in Wilburton. Later, she became the comptroller at North Central Texas College in Gainesville. She also served as the treasurer of the Bowie High School Mighty Marching
Maroon Band Boosters for many years.
She is survived by her son, Andrew Charles Howell, Longtown, OK; daughter, Amanda Rae Howell, Bowie; her children’s father, Michael Ray Howell, Saginaw and three grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
OBITUARIES
Bobby (Jerry) Orrell
January 26, 2026 – September 4, 2026
NOCONA – Bobby (Jerry) Orrell, 87, died on Sept. 4, 2026.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
He born in Decatur on Jan. 26, 1939 to Elizabeth and Willie.
He was a United States Army veteran who served his country in Germany. He worked for ARCO National Supply in Gainesville as a supervisor. He worked for Bell Helicopter, Otis Elevator and General Dynamics. He also worked for Boeing as an engineer.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elizabeth and Willie; sister, Norma Morby and brother, Bill (Buster) Orrell.
He is survived by his sons, Hannan and Caton; three grandchildren and brother, Leo Orrell.
Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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