OBITUARIES
Troy Orlo Thornton
Troy Orlo Thornton 
May 11, 1926 – December 13, 2015
CHICO – Troy Orlo Thornton, 89, previously of Bowie, died Dec. 13, 2015 at home in Chico, TX.
A church service will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 27 with Pastor Joe Gambill officiating. A memorial service will follow at the First Presbyterian Church of Bowie.
Troy was born May 11, 1926 in Haskins Ohio to George and Loretta Thornton. He was married Dorothy A. Thornton on Dec. 27, 1947 at the Haskins Federated Church.
Troy grew up on a farm in Haskins Ohio during the depression. During his senior year he enlisted in the Navy and upon graduation served during WWII on a ship in the pacific. He was present for the invasion of Iwo Jima and gave support off shore.
When the war was over and Troy returned home, he and Dorothy dated and married a year later. They continued to farm and started a family. Dorothy and Troy lived in various places from coast to coast and in between until they came to settle in Texas in 1980.
Troy was trained by National Cash Register which started his long career in computers. He was active in the First Presbyterian Church and still loved singing in the choir. Troy and Dorothy helped crew for their sons’ hot air balloons when they attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
He was active in the community of Bowie, delivered meals on wheels for years with Dorothy and they helped with the pancake breakfast at the Bowie Senior Center where he earned the title “Pancake King.”
He loved to read and could be found at the Chico Library picking out books. He was active in the Wise County Veterans where he showed his love of country.
He was a dedicated family man and believed in strong family values who was still in love and wasn’t afraid to show it on a daily basis. He and Dorothy still held hands and said “I love you” until the day she died.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Loretta Thornton; sister, Olive Green; brother, Brice Thornton and his wife, Dorothy married 67 years.
He is survived by sons Ronald and wife Carol, Mark and wife Bobbi, Dana and wife Denise; daughter, Carol Fatheree and husband Gary; eight grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.
Even in death his work is not done. He willed his body to UT Southwestern in hopes of helping medical studies. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.
To honor Troy and Dorothy, love your family, respect them and cherish the time you are able to spend with them whether they are near or far. Be active in your community, give to others and try to make a difference in the lives of others.
Paid publication
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
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.
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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