OBITUARIES
Thomas Vernon DeFrates Sr.
February 22, 1934 – February 8, 2022
BOWIE – Thomas Vernon DeFrates Sr., 87, died on Feb. 8, 2022 in Bowie, TX.
A private graveside memorial service will take place at 10 a.m. on Feb. 19 at Sweetwater Cemetery near Decatur.
DeFrates was born on Feb. 22, 1934 in Morgan County, IL to the late Edward and Edith (Meyers) DeFrates. He entered into the United States Navy upon graduation of high school in June of 1951, and spent more than 20 years proudly serving this country. He retired with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.
DeFrates married Doris “Jean” Burk on Dec. 19, 1975 and were together for more than 31 years before Doris’s passing on Feb. 1, 2006. They spent 12 years on a farm in Gelena, MO until 1986, when they moved to Bowie. He was very passionate about the Veterans of Foreign Wars group of which he was past commander and politics.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jean DeFrates; son, Rick Wright; brothers, Elmer Lee Defrates, Harry DeFrates.
He is survived by his children, Tom Wright, Wise Coounty, Tim Wright, Oisoll, Scott Wright, Livingston, Marty DeFrates, Manchester, IL, Deb Treece, Waverly, IL, Tom DeFrates Jr., Woodson, IL, Mike Collins and Guy Collin, Hurst; sister, Becky Allen, Colorado Springs, CO and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie
OBITUARIES
Daniel Forrest Barrett
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.
OBITUARIES
David Duke
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.
OBITUARIES
Timothy Tompkins
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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