OBITUARIES
Thomas “Gary” Vaughn
May 12, 1946 – September 12, 2023
BELLEVUE – Thomas “Gary” Vaughn, 77 of Bellevue passed away at his home, surrounded by his family on Sept. 12, 2023.
Family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 14, at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. Funeral services was at 2 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15 at the Bellevue United Methodist Church, with Pastor Greg Parr officiating. Burial followed at Bellevue Cemetery.
Gary was born May 12, 1946 in Bowie to Ida Mae (Hunt) Vaughn McWilliams. He attended Bellevue and Bowie schools, graduating from Bellevue High School in 1964, where he excelled in baseball, football, and basketball. He received many sports awards culminating being named All American Honorable Mention in Basketball in 1964.
Gary enlisted in the United States Air Force after graduation, serving 7 years. He was deployed as a communication specialist to Tan Son Nhut, during the Vietnam War.
On June 27, 1986, Gary married the love of his life, Cindy (Orton) Erwin in Henrietta. They resided in Bellevue, until his passing. He was a role model to all the children, grandkids and great-grandkids.
He is preceded in death by his mother, Ida Mae McWilliams, brothers Joe and Jackie, and grandson, Britt Williams.
His family, continuing to carry on his memory, includes his beloved wife, Cindy; children, Dana Williams and husband Mark, Burleson, Joe Erwin and wife Charlotte, Mineral Wells, Ronnie Erwin and fiance Mollie Carpenter, Bowie; siblings Beverly Myers and husband Steve, Bowie and Lanny Hunt , Bowie; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, memorials can be made in honor of Gary to the Bellevue Ex-Students Association Scholarship at 2405 Kell Blvd. Suite 100 Wichita Falls, TX 76308 or the Bellevue Methodist Church at P.O. Box 245 Bellevue, TX 76228.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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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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