OBITUARIES
Beverly Ann Durham
February 19, 1948 – October 5, 2025
NOCONA – Beverly Ann Durham, 77, died on Oct. 5, 2025 in Nocona, TX.
A visitation from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona.
A celebration of life and funeral was at 2 p.m. on Oct. 10 at First United Methodist Church, Nocona. Interment followed in the Union Cemetery near Cap’s Corner. Ministers are the Rev. Charles Reed, Dr. Larry Martin, the Rev. Jill Barker, the Rev. Justin Durham and the Rev. Collin Durham. Pallbearers were: James Barrett, Travis Shaefer, Jeff Peden, Arnold Walker, Royce Beck and Randy Dyer.
She was born Feb. 19,1948, in Sulphur, OK to B. T. (Pete) Peden and Betty Jo (Eason) Peden. She was married on July 27, 1968 in Electra to the Rev. Calvin M. Durham, a young minister from Nocona and they served 57 years of active ministry. She attended Southwestern Assemblies of God University, Midwestern University, East Texas State University, and graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with highest honors.
In her senior Electra High School annual, she stated her goal in life was to “study theology,” and on the day of her high school baccalaureate service, she would meet Calvin as he was the guest speaker in her home church, First Assembly of God in Electra. Within a few months they would start dating.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father, B. T. (Pete) and Betty Eason Peden; son, John Calvin Durham; and daughter-in-law, Laura Elaine Durham.
She is survived by her husband, Calvin Durham, Nocona; brother, Gary Peden, Michigan; sister, Sylvia Schaefer, Temple; two daughters, Melody Sheree Durham, Nocona and Candus Barrett, Justin; a daughter-in-law; four grandchildren and two great grandsons.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the following research project for Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease centered in the University of Indiana. Make checks payable to: “Alzheimer Disease Research in Pathology” and in the Memo line please place this information: “I. U. Foundation, Account #038009961 – A. D. Research in Pathology.” Mail to: Dr. Bernadino Ghetti, 635 Barnhill Drive, Medical Science Building, Room A138, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202.
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.
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.
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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