OBITUARIES
James E. Echols
December 7, 1944 – June 10, 2023
TERRAL, OK – James E. “Tiny” Echols passed away tragically on June 10, 2023 at the age of 78.
A funeral service under the direction of the Terral Funeral Home was at 1 p.m. on June 19 at the Assembly of God in Terral, OK. A graveside service followed at the Terral Cemetery where he was laid to rest next to his wife who he loved dearly.
James was born Dec. 7, 1944 in Waurika, OK. James is from Terral, OK where he lived most of his life. He was known for being a hard worker. He worked more than 30 years at Certainty where he retired at the age of 55. He was a family man through and through. Leaving school at a young age to work and help his family was just the start of it for James. He poured his all into his family, from his four sisters to his wife, five step, children whom he loved as his own, and the numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He leaves behind an abundance of memories to each and every person he met.
He spent summers planting and growing watermelons, cantaloupes and much more. He spent evenings watching WWE. Taking a cruise around his hometown and waving to all the families was one of his favorite things to do. James would spend his day, sun up to sun down, working alongside his best friend Billy Herron. James was a good, hardworking man all the way up to the end and he will be greatly missed.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Charlene Echols; his parents, Irene and Paul Echols and best friend, Bill Herron.
He is survived by Hops, a man’s best friend; four sisters, Wanda Mayfield, Carolyn and Andy Godwin, Debbie and Terry Boaz and Suzy Mclendon and husband David Farley, all of Bowie; five step children, Gail and Marvin Garvis, Henrietta, Steven and Gail Harris, Ryan, OK, Cathy and Kim Barnes, Bowie, Randy Harris, Terral, OK and Rhonda and Dennis Renhack, Burkburnett; grandson, Brandon Pierce, Ryan, OK and great-grandchildren, Brittan and Braxton Pierce, Ryan, OK along with numerous other family and friends who loved him.
Arrangements entrusted to the Terral Funeral Home in Terral, OK.
Paid publication
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.
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.
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.
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