OBITUARIES
Johnnie Howard Schmitz
November 8, 1942 – October 19, 2025
BOWIE – Johnnie Howard Schmitz, 83, passed away on Oct. 19, 2025.
A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Oct. 25 at Montague County Cowboy Church, 1600 FM 455, Montague with Pastor Joe Caballero officiating.
Johnnie was born Nov. 8, 1942, in Durant, OK, to the late Thelma Imogene (Jean) and William (Pat) Schmitz. He attended Carrigan Elementary, Reagan Jr. High and Wichita Falls High School.
Johnnie was a founding member of the Montague County Cowboy Church and physically helped to build the church. It was said of him, “He truly understood the meaning of church membership.” Additional church projects included the Christ Can Food Bank. The Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls and Northwest Texas Field and Stream Association also benefitted from his support.
His work history was varied. He served in the U.S. Navy, active and reserve duty (1960 – 1966); during that time he was initiated as a Trusty Shellback into the “Solemn Mysteries of the Ancient Order of the Deep.” Later in life he was a merchant seaman, grocer for Safeway Foods, cabinet maker and correctional officer for the Texas Prison System.
Johnnie was preceded in death by wife, Betty Craddock Schmitz, Bowie; parents; brother, William (Bill) Schmitz; sister, Barbara Kay Hollis; and beloved grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Howard A. Clark, Wichita Falls.
He is survived by daughters, Tina Leann Field, Bowie and Lisa Joell and husband Larry Dockall, Waco; son, Johnny Wayne and wife Ashley Schmitz, Mobile, AL; six grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brother, Clark and wife, Lisa; sisters, Joyce Schmitz, Wiletta Langston and sister-in-law, Mary Schmitz-Henderson, all of Wichita Falls.
His passing is mourned by devoted friend, Crystie Riley. May his light continue to shine in the memories of those who knew and loved him.
A special thank you is sent to Moriah Hale of Angels Care Home Health, Bowie, for the excellent care and compassion given during Johnnie’s home care.
Arrangements entrusted to White Family Funeral Home of Bowie. Condolences may be sent to the family at whitefamilyfuneralhome@hotmail.com. For those desiring, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Christ Can Food Bank, C/O Montague County Cowboy Church or The Boys and Girls Club of Wichita Falls, TX.
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OBITUARIES
Linda Chloe Norwood Wade
June 29, 1943 – July 12, 2026
CANTON – Linda Chloe Norwood Wade, 83, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2026, at her home.
A celebration of life will be at 11 a.m. September 19 at the Bowie Community Center West Hall.
A private family burial will be later at Hamilton Beeman Cemetery in Corsicana.
She was born on June 29, 1943, in Corsicana to Colena Copeland Norwood and Miller Jeff Norwood.
A graduate of Corsicana High School and Navarro College, she married the love of her life, Wilson Wade on March 6, 1965. Together they shared 52 years of marriage built on faith, love and family.
Linda lived her life with an open heart, guided by her deep Christian faith and a genuine desire to encourage others. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel loved and welcomed. Many of her children’s friends came to know her as a second mother and she treasured lifelong friendships while continually making new ones.
Even through life’s challenges, Linda’s joyful spirit never faded. During her medical treatments, she earned the nickname “Sunshine” from patients and staff alike because of the warmth and hope she brought to everyone around her. Through her creativity, kindness and unwavering encouragement, she touched countless lives.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wilson Wade; parents; stepfather, Jay Payne and brother, Larry Norwood.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Allyson and Joe Rhone, Weatherford; sons and daughters-in-law, Justin and Tasha Wade, Waxahachie and Chance and Mary Wade, Bowie; grandchildren, Charlie Rhone, Nancy Rhone, Emily Carter and husband Spencer Carter, and Gracie Wade; along with extended family and many dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Love and Grace Family Resource Ministry in Canton or Bowie Mission in Bowie.
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OBITUARIES
Edwin Herman Kleinhans
June 19,1935 – July 22, 2026
BOWIE – Edwin Herman Kleinhans, 91, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026.
A visitation took place from 6-8 p.m. on July 24 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
The funeral service was at 10 a.m. on July 25 at Saint Peter Lutheran Church. The burial followed at Salona Cemetery.
Edwin was born on June 19,1935 to Alfred and Bobbette Kleinhans. He spent his entire life in Bowie, where he became a farmer and rancher in the Salona area. Edwin was a 1953 graduate of Bowie High School. He dedicated his life to his family, his faith and the Salona Community he loved.
On July 24, 1954, Edwin married the love of his life, Alta Jo St. John Kleinhans. Their marriage was a beautiful testament to love, faith and commitment. They shared nearly 72 years together, falling just two days shy of celebrating their 72nd anniversary.
Edwin devoted his life to farming and ranching in the Salona community, caring on a tradition of hard work, stewardship and service. He proudly served his country for 10 years in the National Guard. His commitment to serving others continued throughout his life, including 30 years on the Board of Directors of the Wise Electric Cooperative.
He was a member of the Bowie Rural Volunteer Fire Department, where he also served on the board. He served on the Montague County FCA Committee. He was a member of the Montague County Farm Bureau.
A faithful member of Saint Peter Lutherans Church in Bowie, Edwin lived his faith through his dedication to his church and community. Above all else Edwin was a devoted husband, loving father and cherished “PawPaw”. His greatest joy came from spending time with his family and watching generations grow. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, integrity, hard work and unconditional love that will continue through those who knew and loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sibling, Francis Aguilar and husband Pete, and son-in-law, Phillip Lawson
Edwin is survived by his wife and children, Brenda Jones and husband Marvin, Bowie, David Kleinhans and wife Rhoda, Bowie, Cynthia Mayes and husband Randy, Flower Mound and Lisa Lawson, Vashti; 32 grandchildren; 33 great grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him deeply.
Though our hearts are deeply saddened we are assured of the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Edwin’s legacy will live on in the land he cared for, the family he cherished and the countless lives he touched through his kindness, service and steadfast example.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to a charity of your choice or Saint Peter Lutheran Church.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the prayers, love and support during this difficult time.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
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OBITUARIES
James “Jay” Throckmorton Jr.
October 25, 1961 – July 21, 2026”
BOWIE – James “Jay” Throckmorton Jr. passed away on July 21, 2026.
James was born on Oct. 25, 1961 in Bowie.
He is survived by his girlfriend, Brenda Bishop; parents, James and Louise Throckmorton, Bowie; son, Tommy Throckmorton and wife Kimberly, Bowie; daughters, Savannah Nail and husband Greg of Nocona and Amanda Lemons, Nocona; sisters, Pam Deweber and husband Danny, Decatur and Nancy Jackson and husband Barney, Bowie; brothers, Colonel Throckmorton and wife Stacy, Bowie, R.D. Throckmorton and wife Jeannettea, Nocona and Rooster Throckmorton and wife Stormi, Old Glory and grandchildren, Lilly, Kaylynn, Hunter, Cheyenne, James, Maddie, Tessalyn, Tate, Walker and Keygaine.
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