OBITUARIES

James (Jim) Richard Elliott Sr.

Published

1 year ago

01/29/2025

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.

OBITUARIES

Steven Douglas Drury

Published

6 days ago

07/15/2026

bowienews

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

Published

6 days ago

07/15/2026

bowienews

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

Published

6 days ago

07/15/2026

bowienews

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.