OBITUARIES

Melvin Chapman

Published

11 years ago

11/25/2015

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

Jimmie Dale Johnson

Published

5 days ago

09/16/2026

bowienews

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.

OBITUARIES

LaDonna Mae Howell

Published

5 days ago

09/16/2026

bowienews

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.

OBITUARIES

Bobby (Jerry) Orrell

Published

5 days ago

09/16/2026

bowienews

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.