OBITUARIES
Larry Joe Allen
December 27, 1958 – June 12, 2026
BOWIE – Larry Joe Allen, 67, passed away peacefully on June 12, 2026 with his dad by his side.
A small graveside service was at 10 a.m. on June 17 at Montague Cemetery.
Larry was born on Dec. 27, 1958 to Bill and Lahoma Allen. He spent his life in Montague County where he grew up, attended school and built memories with the people and places he loved.
Larry was a quiet man who loved simple pleasures. He was content with a good movie (always preferring a classic western to anything modern), a day at the lake with friends and classic rock playing on the radio or a joy ride to Wichita Falls on his motorcycle.
His greatest source of pride was his son, Jeremiah. He reveled in all of Jeremiah’s accomplishments and his pride in him spilled out of him.
He became “Grandpa Larry” when Jeremiah’s children, Charlie and Lucy, came on the scene, and he settled naturally, lovingly and enthusiastically into that role.
He spoke often of his devoted dog, Brandy, a faithful companion who brought him comfort and happiness during her life and who was a permanent piece of his heart after her passing.
Larry is preceded in death by his mother, Lahoma Allen.
Larry is survived by his father, Bill Allen; sister, Cindy Bell; brothers, Rusty Allen and Danny Buck; son, Jeremiah Allen; daughter-in-law, Lori Allen and his grandchildren, Charlie Allen and Lucy Allen.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to make a donation in Larry’s memory may do so to Hospice of Wichita Falls. The family is so very grateful for their grace, guidance and comfort over these past weeks.
Larry will be remembered for his love of family and friends, his gentle spirit and the joy he found in small-town life and its unique adventures. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Arrangements entrusted to White Family Funeral Home, Bowie.
Paid publication
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.
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.
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.
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