OBITUARIES
Dr. Max Gordon Latham MD
December 8, 1938 – November 6, 2020
BOWIE – Dr. Max Gordon Latham, MD, 82, passed away on Nov. 6, 2020.
Dr. Latham was born Dec. 8, 1938 in Weatherford to Nathalie and Curtis Dixon Latham. He was an avid Scouter obtaining the rank of Eagle at age 14. He remained active in Scouting as an adult serving as a Scout Master during the time his sons earned their Eagle ranks. Dr. Latham served in various leadership positions with the BSA, including two terms as President of NETSEO Trails Council. He graduated from Bowie High School in 1956 and served as student body president his senior year.
Dr. Latham enrolled at North Texas State College, now known as North Texas State University. He graduated in three years with a bachelor of arts degree. He was accepted in Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and received his doctor of medicine degree in 1963. He began an internship at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth followed by Family Practice Residency as chief resident. He moved into private practice in Suphur Springs with a career spanning 38 years. Dr. Latham twice served as Chief of Staff as well as Mayor pro tem of Sulphur Springs City Council.
Survived by his wife and high school sweetheart of an over 65-year courtship and marriage, Margin Stovall Latham; son, Greig Stovall and Katie, Tyler, daughter Kathryn Keese Threadgill and husband, Brad, Rockwall, and son, Robert Lee and wife, Debbie, Black Mountain, NC. Beloved grandchildren, Major Garret Stovall Latham, a doctor in philosophy and wife, Elizabeth, Fort Sam Houston, Stuart William Latham and wife, Abrielle, Tyler, Quincie Elise Latham, Black Mountain, NC, and John Gordon Latham, College Station, Texas student at Texas A&M University, Bryce Butterfield, Fort Bragg, NC and Kayla Michele Butterfield, College Station student at Texas A&M University. Great-grandchildren, Benjamin Stovall Latham, Michael McRae Latham, Lucas Henderson Latham, and Julianna Elizabeth Latham, Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX. Beloved brother and life-long hunting buddy, Joel Pat Latham and wife, Judy, Mansfield. Beloved cousins, nieces and nephew.
Dr. Latham served his country in the National Guard Captain in the Medical Corps.
Max served as a long-time Deacon of Shannon Oaks Church of Christ in Sulphur Springs, Texas and Carter Lake Road church of Christ, Bowie Texas. Max was an avid life-long hunter and fisherman worldwide. Many years of travel to Texas A&M University attending Corps of Cadets March-ins for son Greig and grandchildren Garrett and Stuart. In addition, “take-out for supper” times with John and Kayla, students at Texas A&M University. Upon retiring from private medical practice in Sulphur Springs, Margin and Max returned home to Bowie. Max spent the next 20 years as a traveling doctor and emergency room physician at Kell West, Wichita Falls. From the age of five, Max wanted to become a physician and absolutely loved the profession. He studied different areas and always practiced innovative techniques. In retirement, he begins a career in woodworking. Several beautiful items produced, passed from “The Shop on the Hill” to family and friends. His major projects were building bedroom suites for all grandchildren upon their marriage. Four have been completed and are cherished reminders of their grandaddy Max’s love.
Memorial flower donations can be made to 211 Koonce Rd, Bowie, TX. Those wishing to make a donation can give to Bowie Educational Foundation PO 992 Bowie, TX.
Paid publication
June 5, 1924 – June 27, 2026
BOWIE – Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell, 102 went to be with the Lord, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of faith, service, hard work and love for her family and community.
The service was at Turrentine Jackson Morrow (Meador) Funeral Home in Whitesboro. A visitation was from 6-8 p.m. on June 30 and the services was at 2 p.m. on July 1 officiated by Ricky Patterson. A graveside service followed by at Oakwood Cemetery where she was laid to rest beside her husband.
Annie Belle “Ann” Worley Bell was born to Alfred Worley and Ella Dean King Worley on June 5, 1924 in Lancaster. She attended Lancaster schools and graduated as salutatorian of her class. She was the only daughter among eight children and was raised on the family’s cotton farm, where she developed the strong work ethic, determination and compassion that defined her remarkable life.
Following her marriage to the love of her life, John B. Bell and in making their home with their four children in Sherman, she began her career with International Business Machines. They later moved to Boulder, CO where she advanced in her profession and served as lead personnel analyst until her retirement in 1980.
Following her retirement from IBM, Ann and her husband moved back to Texas and became owners and operators of Bell Hardware & Feed in Collinsville. After selling the business, she worked for many years at the Gainesville Livestock Market. Later in life, she devoted her time to service as a volunteer and ultimately volunteer director of Your Neighbor’s House Food Bank in Whitesboro.
During her career with IBM, Ann was recognized for her leadership and accomplishments, including her 1965 nomination as the second female president of the IBM Club. Following her retirement, her volunteer work and dedication at Your Neighbor’s House Food Bank earned her the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award and the Humanitarian Award from the Whitesboro Chamber of Commerce.
She later moved to a senior living facility in McKinney, where she lived for nine years and continued her volunteer service before moving to Bowie to be near her daughter.
Ann will be remembered for her extraordinary work ethic, sharp intellect, generous heart and unwavering commitment to helping others. She believed every opportunity to serve was a blessing.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Bell; parents, Alfred Worley and Ella Dean King Worley and seven brothers.
She is survived by her four children, James ‘Jim’ Bell, John A. Bell and wife Robin, Jeryl ‘Jerry’ Bell, and Janis Crawley and her husband, Joe; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; loving nieces and nephews, dear friends and many others whose lives were touched by her kindness, wisdom and example.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bowie Mission Food Bank in Bowie.
Paid publication
April 14, 1952 – June 27, 2026
BOWIE – Billy Charles Akins, 74, died on June 27, 2026.
At a later time, there will be a memorial ride in his honor with the United Brothers of Wise County chapter.
He was born on April 14, 1952, in California to Charles and Eleanor Akins.
He was a proud retired member of the United Brothers and valued the friendships and fellowship he found there throughout his life.
He is lovingly survived by his daughters, Brandy Karr and Moriah Hal; three grandsons; sister, Karen Akins; one niece; one nephew; brother, Michael Akins; an aunt; one cousin and their son; and two close friends.
In lieu of flowers send donations to Hospice of Wichita Falls.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
September 17, 1940 – June 20, 2026
NEW BRAUNFELS – Tommy Morgan, 85, died on June 20, 2026.
A visitation was from 6-7:30 p.m. on June 25 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.
A funeral service followed at 11 a.m. on June 26 at First Baptist Church in Nocona officiated by pastor Dave Woodbury. Interment followed at Center Point Cemetery.
He was born on Sept. 17, 1940 in Powell, OK to S.G. and Dolly Avery Morgan. On Feb. 4, 1967 he married Wanda Gayle Ice.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Center Point Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 401, Saint Jo, TX 76265.
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