OBITUARIES
William Thomas Nichols
April 20, 1952 – June 13, 2026
LAKE DALLAS- William Thomas Nichols, 74 passed away peacefully into the presence of his Lord and Savior on June 13, 2026.
A memorial service will be at 11 p.m. on June 20 at Southside Baptist Church in Bowie with pastors Tony Rogers and Mike Henson officiating
He was born on April 20, 1952 in Bowie to Dean O Nichols, Sr and Sophia Pauline (Moser). Thomas was raised in Bowie where he attended local schools and was an active member of Southside Baptist Church during his childhood.
Thomas graduated from Bowie High School in 1970 where he distinguished himself as a talented athlete. He excelled in basketball and track and proudly served as the team’s starting quarterback.
He continued his education at East Texas State at Commerce. Thomas devoted much of his working life to serving others as a delivery driver for Ben E. Keith. He enjoyed being out on his routes and cherished the friendships and connections he made with his customers over the years. He later began a career with Albertson’s where he remained a valued employee until retiring.
Thomas called Lake Dallas home for more than 45 years, where he formed lifelong friendships and touched the lives of many. He had a passion for cooking and was a familiar competitor at American Legion and VFW cook-offs. He earned more than 50 cooking contests throughout the years, many with his super-secret chili recipe.
Thomas treasured the time he spent with friends at the American Legion and VFW, whether playing pool, sharing stories or watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys. His warmth, friendship and love of the community will be remembered by all who knew him.
A devoted animal lover, Thomas had a particular fondness for cats and lovingly cared for many over the course of his life. His kindness and generosity were reflected in his longstanding support of animal rescue organizations and a variety of charitable causes.
Thomas Nichols was preceded in death by parents, Dean O Nichols, Sr. and Sophia Pauline (Moser), Bowie; brother, Danny Joe Nichols, Ardmore, OK and sister-in-law, Marita (Wilson) Nichols, Tyler.
He is survived by his brother, Dean O. “Don” Nichols, Jr.; niece, Lisa Nichols Lowrance and her husband, Michael; niece, Lori Nichols Thomason and her husband, Andy; great niece, Sophia Rose Morros; great nephew, Adam Thomason as well as many other friends and extended family.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of East Texas in Tyler for their compassionate and exceptional care they provided to Thomas during his final days.
Arrangements entrusted to the Steward Family Funeral Home, Tyler.
Paid publication
June 24, 1947 – August 22, 2026
CHICO – Jean Collier, 79, died on Aug. 22, 2026.
A funeral service was at 10 a.m. on Aug. 26 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport with the burial at Crafton Cemetery. The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Aug. 25 at the funeral home.
Collier was born on June 24, 1947 and was the daughter of Bert and Noma Pipes. She married Carroll Collier on March 5, 1965.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Noma Pipes; son, Calvin Collier and great-grandbabies.
She is survived by her husband, Carroll Collier; daughter, Jeannette Shaw; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sibling, Robbie Watson; a sister-in-law; a brother-in-law and a close friend.
Arrangements entrusted to the Hawkins Funeral Home, Bridgeport.
December 27, 1965 – August 12, 2026
NOCONA – Daniel Forrest Barrett, 60, died on Aug. 12, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
He was born Dec. 27, 1965, in Spring Branch to James Harry Barrett and Opal Laverne Henderson. He played football at Northwestern and went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin State University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He worked mostly as a stock broker.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Chuck Barrett.
He is survived by his three children, Reagan, Dylan and Connor; two grandchildren; sister, Sherri Lynn Watson; two nieces; one nephew and siblings, Jesse, Rich and Cheryl.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
July 24, 1960 – August 12, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – David Duke, 66, died on Aug. 12, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX.
There was a visitation from 6 – 8 p.m. on Aug. 16 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service was at 10 a.m. on Aug. 17 at the Abundant Life Church officiated by Pastor James Messer.
Interment followed in Terral Cemetery. Pallbearers were Randy Harris, Randy Croxton, Wiley Vanover, Zak Weaver, Bradley Lawrence and Ross Atteberry. Honorary pallbearers were David Morrison and the Red River Dozer Crew.
He was born on July 24, 1960 in Bowie to Harvey and Marjorie Romine Duke. He was a dozer operator mainly for Red River Dozer. He grew up in Terral, OK where he graduated high school. He married Micheal Heathington on Nov. 26, 1994 in Spanish Fort.
He is preceded in death by his parents and one granddaughter.
He is survived by his wife, Micheal Duke; children, Leslie Halt, Kendra Grottie and Kyle Duke; sisters, Delores Weatherly and Sharon Westbrook; brothers, Ricky Duke and Ronnie Duke, and nine grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to Eagle Point Cemetery Association.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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