OBITUARIES
Gloria Gale Byork
February 13 ,1943 – June 7,2026
BOWIE – Gloria Gale Byork 83, passed away peacefully during the morning hours of June 7, 2026.
A visitation will take place from 4-6 p.m. on June 14 at the White Family Funeral Home located in Bowie.
A funeral service will be at 10 a.m. on June 15 at the White Family Funeral Home.
The burial will follow at Cundiff Cemetery in Jack County.
Gloria was born in Big Spring on Feb. 13, 1943 to Donald and Nancy Haire.
Gloria worked numerous jobs during her lifetime. From being a waitress, a mechanical assembler of ALTEC Sound Products, working at Haggers Slacks Co., working for the City of Bowie, as a meter reader and finally found a career in law enforcement at the Montague County Sheriff Department. Gloria was a dedicated, respected employee and was always referred to as “Miss Gloria” by prisoners and staff alike. During her time at the Montague County Sheriff Department, she was a jail sergeant and was also commissioned as a reserve deputy. Gloria retired after 20 years of dedicated service. Gloria was a member of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Texas Department of Public Safety Officer Association Auxiliary.
It was while working at ALTEC Sound Products that she met John. Their friendship turned into true love.
Gloria and John got married in 1974, a marriage lasting more than 53 years and they loved each other very much.
Gloria and John raised three exceptional boys who grew up to be men, husbands and fathers. God gifted her with 18 grand/great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and still counting. Each child has their own different personality. Gloria was a caring, loving and fantastic mother and grandmother.
John and Gloria truly enjoyed traveling. They started on motorcycles, traveling to all 48 lower states at least twice, along with most of the Canadian Provinces. Then the cruises started. The two cruised through the Panama Canal, cruised to Alaska, most of the Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Amsterdam and to the North Point of Norway. They even cruised to Japan.
A world cruise was planned, but it was not to be…. God called her for a more important journey, and she is with Him now.
Gloria is preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Nancy Haire, and eldest son, Curtis Lynn Patranella.
Gloria is survived in life by her husband, John Byork; her brother, Terry Haire and his wife Barbara; her sister, Donna and her husband Pete Karagines; her son, Craig Byork and wife, Tammy; her son, John Byork Jr. and wife Erin, along with many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her loving spirit, beautiful blue eyes and smile will truly be missed.
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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