OBITUARIES

Samuel Carlton Schaffer

Published

1 year ago

12/10/2024

October 31, 1960 – November 26, 2024
BOWIE – Samuel Carlton Schaffer passed away early Tuesday morning on Nov. 26, 2024. at the young age of 64. He gained his wings and is now resting in the arms of Jesus.
A memorial service will take place at 4 p.m. on Dec. 20 at Southside Baptist Church in Bowie, with Dr. Tony Rogers and Harold Clary officiating. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. prior to the service, at the church.
Sam was born on Oct. 31, 1960 in Shamrock, TX to Samuel Cappel and Patsy (Harding) Schaffer. After graduation from Wheeler High School in 1979, Sam went to work for Greenbelt Electric Co-Op in Wellington, TX until December 1983. On Jan. 1, 1984 he started a 38-year career at Denton County Electric Co-Op, later named CoServ Electric, in Corinth, TX until his retirement Nov. 2, 2022.
Sam and his wife, Leilani, had many plans and dreams after his retirement but that was not in God’s plans. Sam was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease) on Leilani’s birthday in January 2023. His form of this disease was very progressive and ultimately took his last breath with his wife and children by his side. Leilani being able to serve as his full-time caregiver was a blessing and it showed how much they cherished each other. Sam was always the one to take care of his family so it was hard for him to let someone take care of him. Both of his daughters also were able to help care for Sam.
For those lucky enough to have crossed paths with Sam knew he was a man of intense personalities at times, but he did with it love. He was well respected in all aspects of life, from family and friends to coworkers and colleagues.
He is preceded in death by his father; sister, Carla Bond; niece, Tabitha Bond Longraf and father-in-love, Rex Bell.
Sam is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Leilani (Bell), Bowie and their daughter, Jeileigh Schaffer, Bowie; children, Jeremy Schaffer and wife Mary, Rhome, JT Schaffer and wife Jordan, Alvord and Samantha Thiessen and husband Ryan, Denton and bonus son, TJ May, Denton. He also is lovingly remembered by his mother Patsy Schaffer, Bowie. Pappy will be greatly missed and cherished by his grandkids Chandler, Grayson, Finn and Lucy.
Sam’s memory and antics will be remembered by his granny-in-love, Marcella Dimock, mom-in-love, Nita Bell and sister-in-love, Valerie Young and family, all of Pilot Point; brother-in-love, Brandon Bell and family of Henrietta; great-nieces, Patience and Malach Longraf, Phoenix, AZ and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous friends.
Expressions of sympathy to Sam’s family are appreciated, but in lieu of flowers please donate to Southside Baptist Church, the ALS Foundation or to Jeileigh’s college fund at Wellington State Bank.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.

Paid publication

OBITUARIES

Barbara Jean Latham

Published

6 days ago

05/06/2026

bowienews

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

OBITUARIES

Maggie Killen

Published

2 weeks ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

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.

OBITUARIES

Sammy Joe Mitchell

Published

2 weeks ago

04/30/2026

bowienews

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.