COUNTY LIFE
Gil Swift selected to serve as parade marshal

The staff and board of City of Bowie Community Development is proud to announce this year’s Fantasy of Lights Christmas lighted parade Grand Marshal as local supporter Gil Swift.
Among the many contributions Swift has made for the community of Bowie his most recent is establishing the Bowie High School Gil Swift Student Aid Fund in 2021. Swift was born in Houston. He graduated from Cypress Fairbanks ISD in 1957, and earned a BBA from SMU in 1972. He enlisted in the USAF in December 1960 and as a disabled Vietnam veteran he was honorably discharged in 1964.
He was married in 1965 and has two successful sons, Gilbert Manuel, a trademark attorney, and Patrick Thomas, Ph.D. in neuropsychologist. Throughout the years Swift was a Cubmaster and Scout Master and completed wood badge training in 1982. He retired from ARCO/BP in 1989.
“I moved back to Bowie on my best friend’s birthday, Jan. 9, 2011,” noted Gil Swift. Friendliness made him choose Bowie, Texas. “How can you have a friend if you aren’t going to be a friend. I feel welcome here.” He encourages everyone to get involved and find out about the community which is one of the main goals for BCDB in creating quality of life for all.
Read the full story in the mid-week Bowie News and see Swift as he rides in Saturday’s parade.
(Top photo) Gil Swift stands with his son Gilbert Chippy during the recent Chicken and Bread Days Festival. (Photo by Cindy Roller)
COUNTY LIFE
Memorial Day ceremonies planned Monday

The Ray Walker Memorial VFW Post #8558 will host a Memorial Day service at 11 a.m. on May 26, 100 Baylor Street in Nocona.
The public is invited to attend to celebrate this special holiday to remember those who were killed in service.
Later in the day attend the fundraiser barbecue rib dinner at the Nocona Senior Citizen’s Center. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Enjoy ribs, french fries, beans, cole slaw, dessert and iced tea. Proceeds benefit the center and the Meals on Wheels program of Nocona.
Veterans eat free. Meal prepared by the award winning Nocona High School barbecue team.
COUNTY LIFE
Five Montague County high schools graduate this weekend

Five Montague County high schools will graduate in ceremonies May 23 and May 24.
Make sure to see the 2025 Graduation Keepsake Section in the May 22 edition of The Bowie News. It is the only one to feature seniors from all seven of the area schools including Bowie, Bellevue, Gold-Burg, Forestburg, Nocona, Prairie Valley and Saint Jo.
Bowie High School
The Jackrabbits walk the stage at 8 p.m. on May 23 in Jackrabbit Stadium. Teacher Tabitha Jones was selected by the students to be the speaker.
Seniors Virginia Watson and Boston Farris will pass the mantle of leadership to the junior class represented by Laney Enlow and Hayden Heugatter. Superintendent Blake Enlow will present diplomas.
Read the full story in the Thursday Bowie News.
COUNTY LIFE
TNT plans its annual membership meeting

All members of the Tales ‘N’ Trails Museum or those interested in learning more about Montague County’s largest museum are invited to attend the annual membership meeting at 2 p.m. on May 31.
There will be a short business meeting to elect new directors afterwhich Dr. Sergio Ayala will discuss the museum’s newest archaeological exhibit. He also will conduct, “What’s Your Point?” where guests are invited to bring in artifacts for Dr. Ayala to examine.
All membership are due in May and there are several levels from which to chose starting at $35 a year. TNT is supported by its members along with donations, fundraising and grants. The museum celebrates its 15th years showcasing Montague County’s unique history.
The museum is located at 1522 E. U.S. Highway 82 in Nocona. Call 825-5330 with questions.
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