OBITUARIES
Melvin Chapman
Melvin Chapman
NOCONA- Melvin Chapman, 83, died November
20, 2015.
A visitation was from 6 – 8 p.m Nov. 23 at Jerry
Woods Funeral Home Chapel.
A service was at 2 p.m. Nov. 24 at the Church of
Christ in Nocona.
He was born to Chester Reed Chapman (Chap) and
Lee Ora Marion Chapman.
Chapman attended Gainesville High School and
graduated from Sanger High School. He played basketball
for Tarleton State University. He then went to
Texas Wesleyan College and earned a business degree.
He married Zana Lemon on March 30, 1953.
During their time together he served in the U.S.
Army at El Paso, worked at Justin Boot Company in
Fort Worth, Nocona Boot Company and then founded
Nocona Belt Company.
While in Nocona he taught Sunday school and
served as mayor, hospital board member, bank board
member and as president of the water board for 10
years.
Chapman was on the National Board of the Western
Apparel and Equipment Manufacturers Association
and was master of ceremonies at the annual awards
dinners presenting awards to personalities who helped
the western industry. He married Oretha Ann Howard
on Feb. 15, 1974.
In 1992, upon his retirement, they moved to South
Padre Island. He served on the boards of Gladys Porter
Zoo, First National Bank and Shriner’s Hospital in
Houston. While in South Padre Island he built a church
in Mexico and participated in the building process of
multiple churches.
He is preceded in death by his wives, Zana and Ann,
and granddaughter, Danielle LeBlanc.
He is survived by his sisters, Wilma Leach, Gainesville
and Marion Allen, Arkansas; children, Melanie
Howington, Nocona, Kim Corbin, Mansfield, Stu Chapman,
Wichita Falls and Cheryl Reynolds, Sachse; 14
grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one greatgreat
grandchild.
Memorials may be donated to Tails ‘N Trails Museum,
Nocona. Funeral arrangements were entrusted
to Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona, TX.
OBITUARIES
Barbara Jean Latham
June 9, 1945 – April 29, 2026
BOWIE – Barbara Jean Latham, 80, beloved mother, passed away on April 29, 2026 when her battle with cancer ended.
Barbara was laid to rest at Bomarton Cemetery, next to her husband.
Barbara was born on June 9, 1945, in Portland, OR. She was a long-time resident of Sweetwater. She spent the last part of her life living in Bowie. She loved spending time with her family and friends. She also loved her ladies (chickens) and garage sales.
Barbara was preceded in death by her loving husband, James Young Latham and her mother, Adeline Mae Ballenger.
Barbara is survived by her son Harold Betts; daughters, Jamie Latham Shaw and Jenisu Latham; siblings Buddy Covington, Thomas Covington, Ronnie Covington, Sharon Covington Posey, Joe Covington, Melissa Evans and Judy Johson; and numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Maggie Killen
November 5, 1938 – April 18, 2026
WICHITA FALLS – Maggie Killen, 87, died on April 18, 2026.
A graveside service took place at 1 p.m. on April 27 at Salona Cemetery near Bowie.
She was born on Nov. 5, 1938 in Bowie to Bertha Irene (Brewer) and Emmett Franklin Thompson. She was a graduate of Bowie High School. She was an oil information secretary and later in life as a business office manager in a skilled nursing home.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bertha Irene and Emmett Franklin Thompson: sisters; Gracie McNatt, Berneice Oliver, Ola Mae Deeton, Ernestine Ray and Dorothy Woolf: brothers; Kelly Thompson, John Thompson, Lonnie Thompson, Wayne Thompson and Tommy Thompson; son, Ricky Wallace and daughter, Vicki Cullens.
She is survived by two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to University Park Nursing and Rehab.
OBITUARIES
Sammy Joe Mitchell
June 4, 1947 – April 19, 2026
SPAINSH FORT – Sammy Joe Mitchell, 78, died on April 19, 2026.
There was a visitation from 5-6 p.m. on April 24 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona.
A graveside service will be at 10 a.m. on April 25 at Spanish Fort Cemetery in Spanish Fort.
He was born on June 4, 1947 in Nocona to Bonnie O. Mitchell Jr. & Mary Lou Cross Mitchell. He grew up in the Spanish Fort area and went to school at Prairie Valley Schools. He was a hard-working farmer, rancher and mechanic all of his life and served his nation in the Airforce. He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Spanish Fort. He married the love of his life Robbie Hawthorne on May 8, 1971 in Nocona.
He is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven Chris Mitchell.
He is survived by his wife, Robbie Mitchell, Spanish Fort; children, Joe Chris Mitchell, Spanish Fort and Kasie Hamilton, Bowie; sister, Bonnie Robertson, Spanish Fort; six grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.
Memorial donations may be made to The Montague County Youth Fair, c/o Kenton Holloway, 5549 F.M. 1758, Bowie, TX 76230.
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