OBITUARIES
Joe Emerson Probst
February 8, 1931 – April 21, 2026
FUQUAY-VARINA – Joe Emerson Probst, 95, passed away peacefully at home in Fuquay-Varina, NC on April 21, 2026.
Joe was born in George West on Feb. 8, 1931 to Arthur and Corinne Probst. Joe received a banking degree from the University of Texas in 1952. His 60-year banking career began as a national bank examiner for the U.S. Treasury. He worked at several banks after that, but the highlight of his career was at Legend Bank in Bowie, where he was president for 22 years. He loved his work at the bank and continued to serve on the board of directors for eight years after retirement.
Joe lived his life, both personally and professionally, with honesty and integrity. He was active in the First United Methodist Church in Bowie and a long-time member of the Bowie Chamber of Commerce and Bowie Rotary Club.
He enjoyed gardening and was known to produce a bumper crop of tomatoes every summer. He also enjoyed all kinds of puzzles and you could always find him reading one of the three newspapers he subscribed to.
Joe was a generous man who loved spending time with his children and their families, who happened to live in four different states across the country. He believed in the importance of regular family gatherings and started a tradition of bringing his children and grandchildren to Lake Gaston, NC every summer – a tradition that continued for many years.
Joe was preceded in death by Laurice, his wife of 54 years and older brother, Eugene Probst.
He is survived by a sister, Elaine Bennett, George West; four children, Trish Powell, Fuquay-Varina, NC, Paula Allen, South Fork, CO, Laura Probst, Seattle, WA and Joe E. Probst, Jr., Citrus Springs, FL; seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren – all who will miss him dearly.
In remembrance of Joe’s life, the family asks that charitable donations be sent to Wake County Meals on Wheels, www.wakemow.org/, where Joe was a volunteer.
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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