OBITUARIES
Lenard Mayo
June 14, 1949 – October 11, 2025
SUNSET – Lenard Mayo, 76, loving husband, father, papa and friend, was called home on Oct. 11, 2025 after a hard-fought and courageous battle with MDS.
A visitation will take place from 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 17 at the White Family Funeral Home.
A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Oct. 18 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
Lenard was born June 14, 1949, in Wichita Falls to Leyhman and Melba Mayo. He was known for his outgoing personality, warm smile and ability to make friends wherever he went—he truly never met a stranger. Born and raised in Henrietta, Lenard graduated from Henrietta High School in 1968 before attending North Texas State University (now the University of North Texas). Proudly playing football alongside Mean Jo Green.
A proud patriot, Lenard honorably served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps from 1969-1975. On Oct. 16, 1971, he married the love of his life, Carolyn Ford. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised three children, Clay, Shanah and Colt.
Lenard spent more than 40 years working in the oil and gas industry, where he forged countless lasting friendships and earned the respect of colleagues across the field. His charisma, integrity and work ethic left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
Lenard is preceded in death by his parents.
Lenard is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Carolyn Mayo, Sunset; his children, Clay Mayo and wife Caralisa, Woodville, Shanah Hendricks, Chicago, IL, and Colt Mayo and Erica Parker, Ardmore, OK. He was a proud “Papa” to five grandchildren, Cason Mayo, Hubbard, Caylie Mayo, McCamey, Carlie Mayo, Ardmore, OK, Cougar Mayo, Woodville and Ember Caldwell, Ardmore, OK; brothers, Dennis Mayo and wife Linda, Sadler and Larry Mayo, and sister, Tressie Abbott.
The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at bloodcancerunited.org in Lenard’s honor.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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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