OBITUARIES
James (Jim) Richard Elliott Sr.
December 19, 1928 – January 2, 2025
MONTAGUE – James (Jim) Richard Elliott Sr., 96, died on Jan. 2, 2025, on his farm in Montague, TX.
In lieu of a memorial service, his family will host a celebration of life on his beloved farm at a later date.
He was born on Dec. 19, 1928, in Ringle, WI. He was the third oldest son of Paul and Dola Pukis. He served in the Navy during WWII and was always proud to be an American. After his discharge, Elliott traveled across the United States twice before falling in love and marrying Joyce Fredette in February 1950. They remained married for 57 years. He worked as a machinist (tool and die maker) for more than 40 years.
Together they raised 10 children, opened the first commercial go-kart track in the State of Wisconsin and were actively involved in their community through their church and local 4-H organization. Tired of the cold Wisconsin winters, they packed up eight of the children in 1972 and began an epic journey all over the United States searching for a new home. Later that year, they settled in Paradise Valley, AZ. The family stayed here until 1975, when they again moved (now with four children) to a place he called, “The Promised Land,” also known as Texas. They remained in the Denton area until 1995 when they moved to Missouri. In the 1980s, they purchased land in Montague County, formed Circle MEW Farm and became certified by the State of Texas as an Organic Farm. After Joyce passed, he returned to his beloved farm in Texas where he remained until his death.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Joyce Elliott; his daughters, Judy Mae and Jean Marie; his son, Patrick Lynn; his brothers, Paul, Bernard and William; and his sister, Dorothy.
Jim is survived by his sons James Jr., Joe and John; daughters Teresa, Mary, Barbara, Elizabeth, and Nancy; brothers Albert and Lloyd; sister, Ruth Ann; beloved fur babies, Charlie and Kitty, 31 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren, and five great-great grandchildren; and a host of friends and neighbors, past and present.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie, TX.
July 15, 1958 – October 30, 2026
BOWIE – Russell Kelvin Reed, 68, passed away on Oct. 30, 2026 surrounded by his children.
A memorial service will take place on at 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at Southside Baptist Church in Bowie.
Russell was born July 15, 1958 in Bowie to Leon and Doris Reed. Throughout his life, he worked in the oilfield and as an ironworker, taking pride in hard work and a job well done. Russell carried a gentle, hippie soul through everything he did. He believed in peace, lived with a free spirit, and brought warmth, humor and a genuine love for people wherever he went.
Deep in his heart, he loved the Lord and found joy in serving Jesus Christ and sharing His grace with others. Above all, he cherished the time he spent surrounded by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Martin; and best friends, Kevin Matlock and Steve Henry.
Russell is survived by his children, Jesse Reed, Brittney Simpson and husband Dale, Shane Everitt, and Aimee Goodwyn and husband Danell; a treasury of precious grandchildren who brought so much light to his life; Cindy Reed, the mother of his children; siblings, Steve Reed and wife Jane, Tommy Reed and wife Cathy, Debbie Del Rio and husband Jose, and Scott Reed and wife Ann; and an extended circle of family and friends who loved him dearly.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
July 10, 1996 – October 30, 2026
NOCONA – Nelson Taylor Haynes, 30, died on Oct. 30, 2026.
A visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona.
The graveside service will be held on November 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita Falls, Texas.
He was born on July 10, 1996 to James and Amanda Haynes in Nocona.
He was the son of James and Amanda Haynes; brother to Sidney and Courtney Haynes; stepbrother to Cassidy and Connor Cartridge; nephew to aunts and uncles; and a cousin and an uncle.
March 15, 1938 – November 1, 2026
NOCONA – Norma Jean Oldham, 88, died on Nov. 1, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
She was born March 15, 1938 in Lewisville to Roland and Alice Heath.
She was the beloved wife of James Oldham and they were married 44 years.
Oldham worked for more than 25 years at Nocona Belt Company.
She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Royce and Ernest Heath.
She is survived by her daughter, Judy Moore, Saint Jo; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
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