OBITUARIES
Donny Ray Thomas
July 12, 1955 – November 20, 2025
BOWIE – Donny Ray Thomas, 70, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 20, 2025, surrounded by the comfort of his family and the faith that guided him throughout his life.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Nov. 25 at the White Family Funeral Home in Bowie.
A celebration of his life took place at 10 a.m. on Nov. 26 at First Free Will Baptist Church with Pastor Glenn Neff officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and gratitude for the beautiful life he lived. Burial followed at Brushy Cemetery in Bowie.
Donny was born on July 12, 1955. He lived a life marked by hard work, loyalty and kindness. He dedicated 31 years of service to Peterbilt as an assembly specialist where he was known for his dependable work ethic, easy smile and the friendships he built along the way.
A proud and committed Christian, Donny lived his faith daily–not only in words, but in the way he loved, supported, and uplifted those around him. His steady presence and gentle spirit were gifts to everyone who knew him.
Outside of work, Donny cherished the simple joys that made life rich. He loved socializing with friends, never turning down a good conversation or a chance to laugh. Playing pool was one of his favorite pastimes, and he could often be found enjoying meals at his favorite local spots – always happy to share food, fellowship, and stories.
Above all, he treasured his family. He was a proud father and an adoring grandfather whose greatest joy came from time spent with the people he loved most. His legacy of love, faith, and kindness will live on in their hearts forever.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Aubrey and Lavenia Thomas; sister, Vicki Hayes; son, Christopher Thomas and beloved wife, Geneva Thomas.
Donny is survived by daughter, Brandy Burrow; nephew, Brad Hayes; grandchildren, Emerald Thomas, Kimora Thomas, Chris Jackson, Reagan Burrow, Destiny Clary, Haley Ketchum and Chelsey Ketchum; and many great-grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed by all who had the blessing of knowing him. May he rest in eternal peace. Love you, Papa.
Arrangements entrusted to the White Family Funeral Home of Bowie.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Imogene Dalton Evans
November 28,1928 – June 9, 2026
DENTON – Imogene Dalton Evans, 97, passed away on June 9, 2026.
A visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on June 20 at DeBerry Funeral Home and at 2 p.m. the funeral service will follow. A grave side service will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park 3801 Roselawn Dr., Denton.
Imogene Dalton Evans was born on Nov. 28, 1928 in Coleman County Texas to Samuel and Effie Clara Dalton. She was raised on the family farm and ranch near Gouldbusk attending local schools and graduating high school from Mozelle High School.
Growing up she worked in the fields and with the cattle and sheep alongside her brothers. She gained a great work ethic that stayed with her throughout her life. She felt blessed to have three careers. She worked with her husband Joe Evans in their plumbing, heating and air conditioning business. After it was sold because of Joe’s health, she returned to college to finish her education, receiving a BS degree from North Texas State University (now UNT) and a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University. She began work as a county extension agent in Montague County, retiring in 1991. She moved back to Denton and began a career in real estate in 1993.
Family was extremely important to her. After working all day she would work at night canning and freezing food from the family’s garden. One of her sayings she will be remembered for is a quote “waste not, want not.”
She was proceeded in death by her husband, Joe B. Evans in 1991; daughter, Regina Pitt in 2011; son, Joe B. Evans Jr. in 2015; daughter, Sharon Griffith in 2023; parents and three brothers.
She is survived by her grandsons, Scott Griffith, Fort Worth, Chad (Milly) Griffith, Dallas and “Trey” (Julie) Joe B. Evans III, Bowie; granddaughters, Lindsay (Kyle) Coker, Dallas, Shannon (James) Mares, Krum, and Lydia Evans, Bowie; great-grandchildren, Case Janopoulos, Krum, Emarie Evans, Bowie, Harper and Ellis Griffith, Dallas, Jack Griffith, Fort Worth, Berkleigh and Reagan Mares, Krum, and Collins and Myer Coker, Dallas; sister, Anna Walker, Saginaw; and nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrust to DeBerry Funeral Home, Denton.
Paid publication
OBITUARIES
Mark Dean Hancock
June 21, 1958 – June 10, 2026
NOCONA – Mark Dean Hancock, 67, died on June 10, 2026.
A memorial service will be from 2-4 p.m. on June 28 at the Turquoise Owl in Nocona.
He and his twin, Mike, were born on June 21, 1958, in Gainesville to Harvey F. Hancock and Jean (Hancock) Shears. He graduated from Nocona High School in 1976. He also attended North Texas University. He had several careers in his lifetime—the Boys’ State School in Gainesville, Tucker Rocky Distributing and numerous oilfield companies.
He is preceded in death by his parents; a half-sister and grandparents.
He is survived by two sons, Ben Hancock and Sam Hancock; brothers, Harvey Hancock and Mike Hancock; sisters, Kathy Tomlinson and Patty Crabtree; two grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews; and great-nieces and nephews.
Arrangements entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
OBITUARIES
Minnie Allen Walker
January 20, 1938 – June 12, 2026
BOWIE – Minnie Allen Walker, 88 years, 4 months, and 23 days old died June 12, 2026.
There was a visitation from 5-6 p.m. on June 14 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.
A funeral service took place at 2 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church on June 15. Interment followed in Ringgold Cemetery.
She was born Jan. 20, 1938, to Clarence and Eunice Allen in Ardmore, OK on what had once been reservation land. She was the only one of nine children to be born in a hospital. She graduated from Prairie Valley High School, where she played basketball and volleyball.
In 1959, she married her soulmate, Jerry Walker, and they built their extended family over the next 56 years. She worked for Dude’s Duds briefly, and at the Ford dealership in Nocona for many years. She served as Nocona City secretary and then as Nocona City manager, retiring in 2005 after a total of 23 years. The Walkers lost Jerry in 2018, and she moved to Independence Hall in Bowie a few years ago.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Walker; parents; and siblings, Alice Harper, Sam, Doie and David Allen.
She is survived by her three daughters, Karen Walker, Linda Wickersham and Kathy Sayers; three step-daughters; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Joan Tettleton and Barbara Ice; and many nieces and nephews.
She had a lifelong love of flowers, so flowers to remember her are welcome or donate to the Carpenter Shop, 400 Boston St., Nocona, TX 76255.
Arrangements entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona.
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