OBITUARIES

James Robert Cantwell

Published

1 year ago

08/13/2025

December 24, 1938 – August 9, 2025
BOWIE – James Robert Cantwell, 86, passed away peacefully on Aug. 9, 2025, in Wichita Falls, TX.
A celebration of life will be at 2 p.m. on Aug. 20 at the United Presbyterian Church, 300 W. Nelson St., Bowie.
James was born in Bowie on Christmas Eve 1938 to Robert Ivy (Beetle) and Berniece Joplin Cantwell, who owned and ran a cattle ranch northwest of Bowie. James and his younger brother Jerry helped their father from an early age with all the chores, learning about working the land and cattle, and developing a deep love for the ranching life. When James entered Bowie High School, his quiet, thoughtful ways and friendly smile made him a leader among his peers. He was active in FFA, was captain of the Jackrabbits football team and president of the student body. He participated in Boy Scouts, attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
After graduating from Bowie High School in 1957, he attended Texas Tech University, earning a degree in agricultural engineering. During college, he was in Army ROTC and also participated in the rodeo club, where he was able to show his skills in bull riding. After graduating from Texas Tech, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the US Army and served in West Germany near Schwaebisch Gmuend. During the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, James was serving on the border of West Germany and Czechoslovakia. He led his platoon as they waited for orders to fire nuclear-tipped missiles into Russian-occupied territory, orders which luckily never came. In early 1963, his life took a new turn when he met the love of his life, Joan Kitley, a fellow Texan who worked for the Army Special Services at the military base. They married in December of 1963, surrounded by military friends, in the chapel in Schwaebish Gmuend.
Upon completion of active duty, James and Joan returned to Texas in 1964 and settled in Bowie, where they built a new home and a life together. While raising their three children, James continued his military service in the Texas National Guard; became a banker in Bowie, serving as President of Bowie State Bank for 17 years; and continued to operate cattle at the family Circled Bar Ranch. In 1993, he became City Manager of Bowie, a position he held for 20 years. James enjoyed all aspects of this job, from duties at his desk to helping crews on the streets, to making face-to-face connections with citizens he was serving. He represented Bowie as a member of the Texas Municipal League and served as a board member of the Texas Public Power Association for almost 20 years, being awarded a Career Achievement Award. His proudest accomplishment was his role in helping to establish a new North Central Texas College campus in Bowie.
James was a faithful Christian throughout his life. While growing up, he attended the First Baptist Church in Bowie with his family and once earned an award for not missing a single Sunday for nine years. After returning from Germany with Joan, the couple joined the First Presbyterian Church in Bowie, remaining faithful members. James shared his love of music by singing in the church choir for several decades.
James was a humble servant of his community of Bowie and beyond. He joined the Bowie Lions Club in 1966 and held every officer position. He served as the treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church for 48 years. He served on the Boy Scout Northwest Texas Council in Wichita Falls for many years, and helped organize and run council-wide Camporees. For his continuous service with the Boy Scouts of America, he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor that a local council can bestow upon its adult leaders. James has been honored twice by the Bowie Chamber of Commerce. Once in 1997 as “Man of the Year” and again in 2023 with his wife Joan as “Frances Brite Citizens of the Year.”
“If you strike a thorn or rose, Keep a-goin!
If it hails or if it snows, Keep a-goin!
‘Taint no use to sit an’ whine, when the fish ain’t on your line;
Bait your hook an’ keep a-tryn’, Keep a-goin!”
(Frank L. Stanton)
“Keep a-goin!” a line from James’s favorite poem, guided him throughout his life. He often shared this with loved ones, with a smile on his face and a warm hug. James’s list of accomplishments is long, but those who knew him agree that his legacy will be his kind, patient heart; his love for his country, the land, and his family; and his unwavering diligence in every endeavor.
James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joan Kitley Cantwell; son, Joel Cantwell and wife Julianne, Dallas; daughter, Judy Gelfert and husband, Arne, Arlington; daughter, Jennifer Leedy and husband Robert, Murphy; and seven grandchildren, Robert (married to Maddy), Preston, Daniel, Jensen, Landon, Charlotte and Jordyn.
If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310 or Bowie Lions Club, c/o: Ray Wilson, 1095 Bluffs Avenue, Bowie, TX 76230.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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OBITUARIES

Linda Chloe Norwood Wade

Published

2 weeks ago

08/06/2026

bowienews

June 29, 1943 – July 12, 2026
CANTON – Linda Chloe Norwood Wade, 83, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at her home.
A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. September 19 at the Bowie Community Center West Hall.
A private family burial will be later at Hamilton Beeman Cemetery in Corsicana.
She was born on June 29, 1943, in Corsicana to Colena Copeland Norwood and Miller Jeff Norwood.
A graduate of Corsicana High School and Navarro College, she married the love of her life, Wilson Wade on March 6, 1965. Together they shared 52 years of marriage built on faith, love and family.
Linda lived her life with an open heart, guided by her deep Christian faith and a genuine desire to encourage others. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved and welcomed. Many of her children’s friends came to know her as a second mother and she treasured lifelong friendships while continually making new ones.
Even through life’s challenges, Linda’s joyful spirit never faded. During her medical treatments, she earned the nickname “Sunshine” from patients and staff alike because of the warmth and hope she brought to everyone around her. Through her creativity, kindness and unwavering encouragement, she touched countless lives.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilson Wade; parents; stepfather, Jay Payne and brother, Larry Norwood.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Allyson and Joe Rhone, Weatherford; sons and daughters-in-law, Justin and Tasha Wade, Waxahachie and Chance and Mary Wade, Bowie; grandchildren, Charlie Rhone, Nancy Rhone, Emily Carter and husband Spencer Carter, and Gracie Wade; along with extended family and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Love and Grace Family Resource Ministry in Canton or Bowie Mission in Bowie.

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OBITUARIES

Edwin Herman Kleinhans

Published

3 weeks ago

07/30/2026

bowienews

June 19,1935 – July 22, 2026
BOWIE – Edwin Herman Kleinhans, 91, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026.
A visitation took place from 6-8 p.m. on July 24 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
The funeral service was at 10 a.m. on July 25 at Saint Peter Lutheran Church. The burial followed at Salona Cemetery.
Edwin was born on June 19,1935 to Alfred and Bobbette Kleinhans. He spent his entire life in Bowie, where he became a farmer and rancher in the Salona area. Edwin was a 1953 graduate of Bowie High School. He dedicated his life to his family, his faith and the Salona Community he loved.
On July 24, 1954, Edwin married the love of his life, Alta Jo St. John Kleinhans. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love, faith and commitment. They shared nearly 72 years together, falling just two days shy of celebrating their 72nd anniversary.
Edwin devoted his life to farming and ranching in the Salona community, caring on a tradition of hard work, stewardship and service. He proudly served his country for 10 years in the National Guard. His commitment to serving others continued throughout his life, including 30 years on the Board of Directors of the Wise Electric Cooperative.
He was a member of the Bowie Rural Volunteer Fire Department, where he also served on the board. He served on the Montague County FCA Committee. He was a member of the Montague County Farm Bureau.
A faithful member of Saint Peter Lutherans Church in Bowie, Edwin lived his faith through his dedication to his church and community. Above all else Edwin was a devoted husband, loving father and cherished “PawPaw”. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family and watching generations grow. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, integrity, hard work and unconditional love that will continue through those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sibling, Francis Aguilar and husband Pete, and son-in-law, Phillip Lawson
Edwin is survived by his wife and children, Brenda Jones and husband Marvin, Bowie, David Kleinhans and wife Rhoda, Bowie, Cynthia Mayes and husband Randy, Flower Mound and Lisa Lawson, Vashti; 32 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
Though our hearts are deeply saddened we are assured of the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Edwin’s legacy will live on in the land he cared for, the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, service and steadfast example.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice or Saint Peter Lutheran Church.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the prayers, love and support during this difficult time.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.

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OBITUARIES

James “Jay” Throckmorton Jr.

Published

3 weeks ago

07/30/2026

bowienews

October 25, 1961 – July 21, 2026”
BOWIE – James “Jay” Throckmorton Jr. passed away on July 21, 2026.
James was born on Oct. 25, 1961 in Bowie.
He is survived by his girlfriend, Brenda Bishop; parents, James and Louise Throckmorton, Bowie; son, Tommy Throckmorton and wife Kimberly, Bowie; daughters, Savannah Nail and husband Greg of Nocona and Amanda Lemons, Nocona; sisters, Pam Deweber and husband Danny, Decatur and Nancy Jackson and husband Barney, Bowie; brothers, Colonel Throckmorton and wife Stacy, Bowie, R.D. Throckmorton and wife Jeannettea, Nocona and Rooster Throckmorton and wife Stormi, Old Glory and grandchildren, Lilly, Kaylynn, Hunter, Cheyenne, James, Maddie, Tessalyn, Tate, Walker and Keygaine.

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