OBITUARIES
Billy Joe James
April 21, 1941 – January 28, 2026
BOWIE – Billy Joe James, 84, passed away on Jan. 28, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX.
A visitation was on Feb. 4 at Ebensberger-Fisher Funeral Home. A funeral service was on Feb. 5 and burial followed at Jones Cemetery in Kendalia, TX.
Billy was born on April 21, 1941 in Lockett. He was the youngest of nine children of Alfred L. and Ethel James. Billy spent portions of his life living in Denton, Shoreacres and Kendalia, TX. A U.S. Army veteran and Second Lieutenant in the National Guard, Billy served as mayor of Shoreacres and was active in civic activities where he lived. He excelled in multiple fields including business, ranching and civic service. He founded Bee Jay Molding, a successful injection-molding business in the Houston and Boerne communities.
Preceded in death by his parents, siblings and a grandson.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane; three children; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Billy is remembered as a dedicated family man, leader, mentor and friend.
Memorial donations may be made to Kendalia Volunteer Fire Department, Comfort Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.
Services entrusted to Ebensberger Fisher Funeral Home. To leave a condolence for the family please visit www.ebensberger-fisher.com.
Paid publication
April 29, 1966 – March 4, 2026
BOWIE – Kindall Diane Gatlin, 59, died on March 4, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
She was born April 29, 1966, in Los Angeles, CA, to William Sr. and Carol Marie (Anderson) Gatlin. She was a devoted personal care attendant for Wichita Home Health Services.
She is preceded in death by her brother, William Todd Gatlin.
She is survived by her parents; daughter, Naomi Gatlin, Bowie; son, Conner Campbell, Bridgeport; three grandchildren and numerous cousins.
December 22, 1940 – March 3, 2026
BOWIE – Jacqueline “Jackie” Marie Wheeler, 85, died on March 3, 2026.
The family has chosen arrangements with cremation.
She was born Dec. 22, 1940, in Galveston to Charles Hans and Caroline Marie (Sass) Lindberg. She married Clark Wheeler on Aug. 20, 1987, in Las Vegas, NV and spent her days as a devoted homemaker.
She is preceded in death by her parents, and husband Clark.
She is survived by her daughter, Kerry Wheeler and one granddaughter.
October 26, 1938 – March 3, 2026
DECATUR – Frances “Janell” McNutt, 87, died on March 3, 2026 in Decatur, TX.
A graveside service took place at 2 p.m. on March 10, at Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita Falls.
She was born Oct. 26, 1938 in Temple, OK to Thomas and Hazel (McPherson) Sanders. On Oct. 30, 1959, she married Bobby McNutt in Wichita Falls. She worked for the Jim Bowie Restaurant for several years before retiring.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bobby McNutt; sister, Evelyn Penn and brother, Clifton Sanders.
She is survived by her brother, Charles Sanders, Wichita Falls; four sons, Keith McNutt, Henrietta, Rocky McNutt, Bowie, Chuck McNutt, Burkburnett and Tommy McNutt, Henrietta; six grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
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