OBITUARIES
Marion “Bennie” Bennett Matlock
October 31, 1948 – February 8, 2024
FORESTBURG – Marion “Bennie” Bennett Matlock, 75, went to be with the Lord on Feb. 8, 2024 while at his home in Forestburg.
The family received friends from 6 – 8 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie. A funeral service took place at 2 p.m. on Feb. 13 at Voice of Triumph Assembly of God Church in Sunset with Joe Mayo as the officiant. Burial followed at New Harp Cemetery in Forestburg.
Ben was born Oct. 31, 1948 to Elvert Lee Matlock and Myrtle Marie Hadaway in Corsicana. He was one of seven children, Lee, Wayne, Dan, Gary, Eugene and Felicia. In 1967 he graduated from Northside High School. From 1968 to 1970 Ben served his country in the United States Army and was certified as a radio relay and carrier attendant. Ben was stationed in Germany and received an honorable discharge.
He valued a good education and in 1990 earned an associate of science from the Cooke County College, followed by an associate of arts at North Central Texas College in 2015, and then a bachelor of science degree from the Texas Women’s University with a major in mathematics in 2016.
He worked as a tradesman in various industries and had a passion for “junking” and spending time with family. Marion was a lifelong learner who loved to challenge those around him to expand their knowledge. His hobbies included writing and collecting coins. He encouraged everyone to pray and love the Lord. He loved his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply and often ended phone calls with “Love you, pray!”
Ben will be remembered as a loving father, Pawpaw, great-grandfather and brother. He was a witty, smart, contemplative, Jesus loving, truth seeking man who lived his life on his own terms. He was always up for a good debate or meaningful discussion. You can truly say Marion Bennett Matlock was one of a kind. He formed his own opinions and set his own trends, never conforming to the status quo. He will be so missed.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Dale Stoner; former wife, Betty Hunt-Matlock; former wife, Cheryl Johnson and brothers, Eugene, Lee, Dan and Gary Matlock.
Ben is survived by his four daughters, Prudy Bayer and spouse Curt Bayer, Muenster, Mistey Patterson and spouse Craig Patterson, Alvord, Cheryl Purser and spouse Tommy Purser, Krum and Paige Matlock and spouse Steve Oliver, Saginaw; daughter-in-law, Sue Stoner, Krum; grandchildren, Cassidy Patterson, San Antonio, Connor Patterson and spouse Caitlynn, Alvord, Nicole Hill and spouse Michael Hill, Krum, Logan Matlock, North Carolina, Andrew Timms, Saginaw, Shelia Kennedy and spouse Mark, Christie Hendricks and spouse Tad, James Stoner, Thomas Stoner and Joshua Stoner and spouse Angela, all of Krum; multiple great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; sister, Felicia Seefeldt; brother, Johnny Wayne Matlock and spouse Glenda, Azle and countless nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Jimmie Dale Johnson
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.
OBITUARIES
LaDonna Mae Howell
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.
OBITUARIES
Bobby (Jerry) Orrell
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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