OBITUARIES
Robert Elkins “Bob” Sikes
April 23, 1937 – October 13, 2024
BOWIE – Robert Elkins “Bob” Sikes passed peacefully at home in Bowie on Oct. 13, 2024, aged 87.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at the Methodist Church of Bowie.
Bob was born April 23, 1937 to Harry and Sara (Elkins) Sikes in Hays, KS. The family relocated to Texas where they had roots in Jack and Palo Pinto counties.
Bob graduated from Jacksboro High School in 1955. He then attended Texas Tech University where he obtained a degree in petroleum engineering, and subsequently a degree in business administration from the University of Texas at Austin. He was an active member of the Sigma Chi fraternity.
After graduating from UT, Bob attended the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School and served in the Navy as an officer. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserve with the rank of commander. Bob’s Navy service was a source of deep personal satisfaction.
Bob had a long professional career with Shell Oil working in petroleum engineering and audit. His work took him to Houston, Denver and ultimately Bakersfield.
Upon retirement from Shell Oil, Bob returned to North Texas and worked the family ranch land in Palo Pinto county. Bob was a passionate caretaker of this land. He married Rebecca Orton Gary of Bowie in 1993 at which point Bob settled into the Bowie life.
Bob enjoyed life. He took great pleasure in reading, fishing, golfing, “old” movies and travel. He loved his family and he loved his friends, and he followed their pursuits with keen interest.
Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Bowie. He served the church in many roles for more than 30 years. Bob actively supported the Friends of the Library in Bowie. He found great friendships in the town where his down-to-earth manner and wit were appreciated.
He is preceded in death by parents, Harry and Sara; brothers, Nick and Marty and sister, Becky.
Robert Elkins Sikes is survived by his wife, Rebecca; his children with his first wife, Linda, daughter, Sara Sikes and son, Gary Sikes and wife Jana; grandchildren Nixon, Bracken and Witten; step-children, Jim Gary, Sydney Gary and Marcus Gary and their families.
The family extends their gratitude to the caregivers of “Team Bob” who made his final days comfortable.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
July 15, 1958 – October 30, 2026
BOWIE – Russell Kelvin Reed, 68, passed away on Oct. 30, 2026 surrounded by his children.
A memorial service will take place on at 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at Southside Baptist Church in Bowie.
Russell was born July 15, 1958 in Bowie to Leon and Doris Reed. Throughout his life, he worked in the oilfield and as an ironworker, taking pride in hard work and a job well done. Russell carried a gentle, hippie soul through everything he did. He believed in peace, lived with a free spirit, and brought warmth, humor and a genuine love for people wherever he went.
Deep in his heart, he loved the Lord and found joy in serving Jesus Christ and sharing His grace with others. Above all, he cherished the time he spent surrounded by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Karen Martin; and best friends, Kevin Matlock and Steve Henry.
Russell is survived by his children, Jesse Reed, Brittney Simpson and husband Dale, Shane Everitt, and Aimee Goodwyn and husband Danell; a treasury of precious grandchildren who brought so much light to his life; Cindy Reed, the mother of his children; siblings, Steve Reed and wife Jane, Tommy Reed and wife Cathy, Debbie Del Rio and husband Jose, and Scott Reed and wife Ann; and an extended circle of family and friends who loved him dearly.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
July 10, 1996 – October 30, 2026
NOCONA – Nelson Taylor Haynes, 30, died on Oct. 30, 2026.
A visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. on Nov. 6 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona.
The graveside service will be held on November 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Crestview Memorial Park in Wichita Falls, Texas.
He was born on July 10, 1996 to James and Amanda Haynes in Nocona.
He was the son of James and Amanda Haynes; brother to Sidney and Courtney Haynes; stepbrother to Cassidy and Connor Cartridge; nephew to aunts and uncles; and a cousin and an uncle.
March 15, 1938 – November 1, 2026
NOCONA – Norma Jean Oldham, 88, died on Nov. 1, 2026.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
She was born March 15, 1938 in Lewisville to Roland and Alice Heath.
She was the beloved wife of James Oldham and they were married 44 years.
Oldham worked for more than 25 years at Nocona Belt Company.
She is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Royce and Ernest Heath.
She is survived by her daughter, Judy Moore, Saint Jo; three grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
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