OBITUARIES

Billy Joe James

Published

6 months ago

02/05/2026

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

OBITUARIES

Steven Douglas Drury

Published

5 days ago

07/15/2026

bowienews

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.

OBITUARIES

John Wayne Shelton

Published

5 days ago

07/15/2026

bowienews

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.

OBITUARIES

Weldon Ray Duff

Published

5 days ago

07/15/2026

bowienews

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.