OBITUARIES
Helen Aliene Bledsoe
April 19, 1926 – January 30, 2022
OKLAHOMA CITY – Helen Aliene Bledsoe, 95, passed away Jan. 30, 2022 in Oklahoma City, OK.
Services are at 2 p.m. Feb. 5 at the Resthaven Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, followed by a graveside service in Cushing, OK.
Helen was born in Yale, OK on April 19, 1926 to Frank and Jenny (Caulkins) James. She married George Bledsoe on Sept. 8, 1946 and they shared a life together for 30 years until his passing on Nov. 17, 1976.
Ms. Helen was a member of Christian Life Fellowship Church in Moore, OK for many years where she served as mentor, Sunday school teacher and puppeteer through the King’s Kids program. She loved working in her flower beds, reading and attending the many activities of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was known for her beautiful warm smile and helping hands. Helen was a down-home southern cook, and will always be remembered for her pineapple upside down cake and amazing chicken and noodles.
When Helen’s health declined in the later years, she traveled between Oklahoma City and Montague as her daughters stepped in as caregivers. While in Montague, Helen attended Montague United Methodist Church, First United Methodist Church and First Free Will Baptist Church in Bowie, where she was loved and supported by all three church families. Many will remember her as the little lady at the front who rocked and clapped while singing all the words to the old hymns without a hymnal.
Helen was preceded in death by her husband, George Bledsoe; parents, Frank and Jenny James, five sisters and two brothers.
She is survived by her daughters Sandy Owens and husband Chuck, and Saunda Ruff and Husband Rick; grandchildren Rich Owens and wife Amy, Scot Owens and wife Amanda, Chad Ruff and wife Andrea and David Ruff; great-grandchildren Olivia Lane and husband Evan, Noah Owens, Emerson Owens, Allie Ruff, CJ Ruff, Jayden Ruff and Jazmyn Ruff; special friends, Lanny Hunt and Ann Campbell, as well as many loving family members and friends.
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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