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
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.
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.
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.
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