OBITUARIES
Mary Frances Reed
January 31, 1941 – December 11, 2025
NOCONA – Mary Frances Reed, 84, died on Dec. 11, 2025 in Nocona, TX.
There was a visitation from 5-6 p.m. on Dec. 15 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home. A funeral service was at 11 a.m. on Dec. 16 at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Vallerie Sewell officiating. Interment followed in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers were Stan McCracken, Steve McCracken, Donald Fenoglio, Tommy Fenoglio, Bradley Hugnagle, Roy Bingham and Billy Bingham.
She was born on Jan. 31, 1941 in Shady Grove to Fred McCracken and Artie Able McCracken. She went to school at Prairie Valley until her family had to move to Odessa. After her father died the family moved back to Nocona in 1959 where she went to work at Rick’s Drive-In. She then started her career at Nocona Boot Company and worked her way up to Ms. Enid Justin’s personal assistant. She bought Nocona Floral and ran it for more than 10 years. She then got her real estate license and worked a few years for Keller Williams. She married Raymond H. “Ray” Reed on Dec. 17, 1992. She was one of the first women to join the Rotary Club. She was a former board member of the Nocona Chamber of Commerce, and was involved with the Nocona Economic Development Committee and the Nocona Cemetery Association. She attended First United Methodist Church in Nocona.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray Reed; siblings, Charles “Tinker” Blasious, Oleta “Mack” Fenoglio, Freddie May Bingham and Bill McCracken.
She is survived by her sister, Virginia “Sissy” Weaver, Arlington; 11 nieces and nephews and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers contact Glenna Clay to donate to the Mary Frances Memorial.
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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