OBITUARIES
Johnnie Howard Schmitz
November 8, 1942 – October 19, 2025
BOWIE – Johnnie Howard Schmitz, 83, passed away on Oct. 19, 2025.
A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Oct. 25 at Montague County Cowboy Church, 1600 FM 455, Montague with Pastor Joe Caballero officiating.
Johnnie was born Nov. 8, 1942, in Durant, OK, to the late Thelma Imogene (Jean) and William (Pat) Schmitz. He attended Carrigan Elementary, Reagan Jr. High and Wichita Falls High School.
Johnnie was a founding member of the Montague County Cowboy Church and physically helped to build the church. It was said of him, “He truly understood the meaning of church membership.” Additional church projects included the Christ Can Food Bank. The Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls and Northwest Texas Field and Stream Association also benefitted from his support.
His work history was varied. He served in the U.S. Navy, active and reserve duty (1960 – 1966); during that time he was initiated as a Trusty Shellback into the “Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep.” Later in life he was a merchant seaman, grocer for Safeway Foods, cabinet maker and correctional officer for the Texas Prison System.
Johnnie was preceded in death by wife, Betty Craddock Schmitz, Bowie; parents; brother, William (Bill) Schmitz; sister, Barbara Kay Hollis; and beloved grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Clark, Wichita Falls.
He is survived by daughters, Tina Leann Field, Bowie and Lisa Joell and husband Larry Dockall, Waco; son, Johnny Wayne and wife Ashley Schmitz, Mobile, AL; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brother, Clark and wife, Lisa; sisters, Joyce Schmitz, Wiletta Langston and sister-in-law, Mary Schmitz-Henderson, all of Wichita Falls.
His passing is mourned by devoted friend, Crystie Riley. May his light continue to shine in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
A special thank you is sent to Moriah Hale of Angels Care Home Health, Bowie, for the excellent care and compassion given during Johnnie’s home care.
Arrangements entrusted to White Family Funeral Home of Bowie. Condolences may be sent to the family at whitefamilyfuneralhome@hotmail.com. For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Christ Can Food Bank, C/O Montague County Cowboy Church or The Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls, TX.
Paid publication
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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