OBITUARIES
Melvin Lynn Hill
Melvin Lynn Hill
February 2, 1933 – June 12, 2015
BOWIE – Melvin Lynn Hill, 82, graduated into the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ on June 12, 2015.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. June 15 at The White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Funeral service was at 2 p.m. June 16 at the First Freewill Baptist Church of Bowie. Burial followed at Elmwood Cemetery.
Melvin was a life long resident of Bowie except for short time in Brush, CO. He fought a strong fight against cancer until the end.
Melvin was born Feb. 2, 1933 in Bellevue to Jesse and Vivian Hill. The youngest of four boys, with two sisters who lived a simple life working hard on the homestead to help the family survive.
Melvin was a graduate from Midway High School. Shortly after, he served our country in the military and was honorably discharged in1955.
One failed marriage did not discourage him from the love of his life, Barbara Makings. They were blessed with 35 years of a loving marriage until she passed in 1998.
Melvin applied his hand to several trades but carpentry became his profession. Later in age he worked for Montague County Sheriffs Department as a jailer and supervised inmates in the work release program.
Hobbies included golf, bowling, fishing, cards and dominoes, of which he was known for the seriousness of the game. Melvin tremendously enjoyed the beauty of flowers. Tending to his flower beds was a great source of pride for him. Above all, his greatest passion was gospel music.
From a young age, Melvin loved to sing. Involved in several gospel groups, he brought much joy to many through a baritone voice.
Melvin is survived by daughters, Jeanne Cowley and husband George, Jerri Chambers and Teresa Grullon; three sons, John Makings and wife Sue, Jim Makings and wife Brenda, and Michael Hill and wife Andrea; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and close personal friend, Alphine Wheeler.
Arrangements have been entrusted to The White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
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.
June 12, 1981 – August 2, 2026
DALLAS – Timothy Tompkins, 45, died on Aug. 2, 2026 in Dallas, TX.
There was a memorial service on at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 at Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church with Pastor Dan Sparkman officiating. A private family interment will follow at a later date.
He was born on June 12, 1981 to Sam and Paula Tompkins in Wichita Falls. He was a driver, worked the oil industry for several years, wroked as a ranch manager and carpenter. He was a member of Valley View Baptist Church. He married Christy Marie Harris on Sept. 24, 2005 in Nocona.
He is survived by his wife, Christy Tompkins, Nocona; parents, Sam and Paula Tompkins, Spanish Fort; sister, Amanda York, Wichita Falls; children, Samantha Dawn Tompkins, Stephenville, Brock Wilson Tompkins, Frisco, Deagan Brodie Tompkins, Spanish Fort, Lillian Marie “Lili” Tompkins, Spanish Fort and three nieces and nephews.
Memorial donations may be made to Shepherd of the Hills Baptist Church, P.O. Box 330, Nocona.
Arrangements entrusted to the Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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