Obituaries

Steve “Posum” McCullough, 70, passed from this life on July 26, 2025 in Richardson, TX surrounded by his loving family. He was born on April 22, 1955 in Nocona. He spent most of his life in Nocona raised by Glen & Alta Hicks Arnett.  He graduated Nocona High School in 1973 and was a very big supporter of his class, always participating in every event. He was usually seen pulling the class float in the parades.  Steve was a friend to everyone & loved by all who knew him. He was full of kindness, compassion & respect & always willing to help anyone who needed it. One of his hobbies included spending time with family fishing & had developed a love for kayaking. He was also a golfer, although there are those who would disagree, & an avid hunter. When Steve & Sandy got together, they became a beautiful & happy blended family. One of the things he loved doing the most was grilling for all the family get togethers. YouTube became his best friend when it came to learning how to grill different foods. He single-handedly took on the huge job of remodeling the inside of their home even though he lacked carpentry skills, again YouTube was his best friend. He spent many a day lovingly building he & Sandy an outdoor oasis in their back yard.  Steve is survived by his wife, Sandy McCullough, children, James McCullough & wife Ann, Krissy, bonus children, Tiffany Niles & husband Gary, Marcie Kirk, Amber Rains, Nathan Ballard, Grandchildren, Jace & Paxton McCullough, Alyssa Parker, Journie Rushing, Bonus Grandchildren, Colby Peery & Skylin, Morgan Handley & Chris, Baylor Kirk, Luke & Kaylie Niles, Brennan Jennings, Casey Hirsch, Bonus Great-Grandchildren, Reece & Renlie Handley, Colby Peery Jr., and Nephews, Michael Arnett & wife Christie, Rodney Arnett & wife Sherrie. He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother, David. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, Sept 21, 2025 at 2 pm at Abundant Life Church in Nocona with grilled hamburgers to be served following for all who attend. Will RSVP at a later date.  Honorary pallbearers are Montague County Precinct 3 & Class of 73. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Lucky Paw’s Animal Shelter, Airport Rd., Nocona, TX 76255, or Stray Evolution, http://strayevol.org/.

James Robert Luton, 82, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025, at his home in Nocona with his family by his side. James was born on June 9, 1943, in Fort Worth, Texas to Daurice Kyser Luton and James William “Bill” Luton. He had lived in Nocona for forty-two years. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00. The family welcomes friends to a visitation from 10:00-11:00. Burial will follow at Nocona Cemetery. James graduated from Huntsville High School in 1962. He joined the US Navy Reserves and reported for active duty from 1963-1965. He served two tours of duty to the Mediterranean aboard LSDs, operating mine sweepers. After his service, he attended the Ranch Management program at TCU and began working on a ranch near Weatherford. He enrolled at Texas Tech University in 1968, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Range Management. Upon graduation, he began a 32-year career with the USDA-NRCS as a Range Specialist. He worked in Coleman, Follett, Miami, and Nocona, Texas offices before retirement. He especially enjoyed working with farmers and ranchers to improve their land. After retirement, he enjoyed mowing, mowing, and more mowing and being the neighborhood watchman. In 1963, he met the love of his life, Carol Ann Fisher Luton, at First Baptist Church, White Settlement, when he was home on Christmas leave. On September 9,1966, they were married by his father at Dennis Baptist Church, Weatherford, Texas. To this union were born two children: daughter Kathryn Grace Luton O’Neal and son Thomas William Luton. He loved nothing better than to attend every softball game, little league game, football game, basketball game, piano recital, choir and band performance and anything else that included his children and grandchildren. James was active in numerous capacities in every community and church where he lived, fulfilling his heart’s desire to be used by God as His servant: deacon, RA leader, committee member, yard man, camp sponsor, choir member, and unofficial greeter, as well as filling in wherever he saw a need. He served on the Carpenter’s Shop board of directors, filling many roles that also included mowing the yard. James’ greatest gift to his children was to love their mother wholeheartedly. He was a devoted husband, son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, and neighbor. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, and his sister, Carolyn Luton Neighbors.  He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Carol Ann; daughter, Kathryn Grace Luton O’Neal of Arlington and husband Kyle; son, Thomas William Luton of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Aaron James O’Neal, Mallory Christine O’Neal, William George Luton, and Anson James Luton; his sister, Barbara Luton Park; and his nephew, Scott Lambright and wife Trina and three great-nieces.    Memorial contributions may be made to the Carpenter’s Shop or Tales ‘n’ Trails Museum or an organization of your choice.   

Jay Bill Norton, 78, went to be with his heavenly father on Wednesday July 16, 2025. He passed away peacefully at his home in Nocona, TX. He was born on November 25,1946 in Walters, OK to JD and Beatrice Brown Norton. Jay Bill grew up in Frederick, OK with his mom teaching and his dad coaching. He went to Southwestern Oklahoma State University to receive his bachelor’s degree in education. He went on to coach golf and football at Frederick High School and served in the U. S. Army Reserves as a Sargent for 8 years. After his coaching career, he went into farming and ranching for many years in Chattanooga, Ok. During his ranching days, he met the love of his life, Sarah Goodner Smith. They married January 4, 1985 and made their home in Burkburnett, TX where Jay went to work for Carter Wind Systems engineering and installing wind turbines all over the states. In his spare time, he loved ranching, racing anything with wheels, 4 wheelers, mini- sprints, etc. But most of all, he loved spending the weekends at their Nocona Lake place with friends and family. This led to them retiring in Nocona Hills where Jay became a volunteer and served on the Board of Hands Up Food Bank and was a devoted member and President of the Board, until his passing, of Shady Grove Community Church.  Jay is preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Kristi Bales. He is survived by his wife, Sarah Norton of Nocona, TX and a daughter, Laura and husband Clifford Provence and his grandchildren Kadan, Courtney, and Kylie Provence, and Joshua and Johnathan Bales all of Wichita Falls, TX. Jay Bill was blessed with six great grandchildren: Xander, Miya, Heavenly, Cash, Kinzley, and Saint. Memorial Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to Shady Grove Community Church, Nocona Hills Volunteer Fire Dept. and Hands Up Food Bank in Nocona, TX.

Cecil E. Matheson Jr., 81, passed from this life on July 12, 2025 in Nocona, TX surrounded by his family. He was born on February 29, 1944 in Pawtuckett, R.I. to Cecil Matheson Sr. & Martha Myers Matheson. Cecil was known as a “Jack of Many Trades”. He was a hard-worker, working for Nocona Boot Company as a leather buyer for several years and later opening up his own photography business which is one thing he really enjoyed doing.  He was also a patriot of this country serving in the U.S. Army Reserves. Cecil is preceded in death by his parents and a son, Clay Matheson. He is survived by his companion in life, Julie Leaf Tadlock, children, Corey Matheson & wife Kimberly of Altamont, TN, Kyle Knight of Maui, Hawaii, Colt Matheson of Dallas, TX, Monty Matheson of Wichita Falls, TX, sister, Claudia Williams & husband Dale of Cleburne, TX, their children, Paige, Morgan, Greg and their families, and Julie’s children, Maggie Tadlock and Russell Tadlock and last but not least his many friends he held dear to his heart. A visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at 11 A.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel followed by a funeral service at 1 P.M. Pallbearers will be Joe Tom Hancock, Randy Womack, Staley Keck, Phillip Myers, Corey Matheson, Colt Matheson and Kyle Knight. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Fenoglio, Jim L. Keck, Elton Teague, Dale Williams, and Dwight Myers. Memorial donations may be made to Tales “N” Trails Museum, 1522 US-82, Nocona, TX 76255.

Helen Skinner, 77, passed from this life on July 3, 2025 in Nocona, TX. She was born on August 11, 1947 in Nocona to Joe Skinner and Frances Reed Skinner. She grew up in Nocona working many jobs mainly for Justin Leather Goods. She is survived by her children, Cindy Morrow of Sanger, TX, Joel Morrow of Dallas, TX, Tommy Morrow of Wichita Falls, TX, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She loved her family the most and always supported them when she could. A private family service will be held at a later date.

Edward Raymond Phillips, 79, passed from this life on June 24, 2025 in Nocona, TX. He was born on December 15, 1945 in Bennington, VT to Lloyd Phillips and Betty Smith Phillips. Edward was a hard-worker and a patriot of this country. He retired from the U.S. Army after serving from 1966 – 1988. Edward married the love of his life, Gail Boulet on July 20, 1968 at Travis AFB in California. His family and grandchildren were the most important things in his life. He is survived by his wife, Gail Phillps of Nocona, TX, children, John Phillips & wife Nancy of Corpus Christi, TX, Michele Jensen of Lawton, OK, Edward R. Phillips & wife Denise of Woodruff, S.C., 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings, Lloyd & Linda Phillips and grandchildren, Timber, Nova and Evan. There will be a service at 1 P.M. on Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at Fort Sill National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Willie Belle Lemon Cable, 92, passed from this life on June 27, 2025 in Nocona, TX. She was born on November 16, 1932 to John & Minnie Agee. Willie Belle, born and raised in Nocona and graduated from Prairie Valley High School, was a friend to many, and full of love and laughter. She married Hulen Lemon and together had four boys that called her Momma. She later married Paul David Cable whom also preceded her in death. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when she was needed most, offering support, wisdom and love in abundance. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength. She is survived by her sons, Tony Lemon of Fort Worth, TX, Gus Lemon of Midland, TX, Mark Lemon of Nocona, TX, Cris Lemon of Nocona, TX, extended children, Joe Tom, Jack, and John of Nocona, Jennifer of Paris, TX, Jill of Fort Worth, TX, Julie of Falcon Head, TX, and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom called her MeMe. There will be a private family service held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. 

Randy Bowles, 70, passed from this life on June 22, 2025 in Wichita Falls, TX.  Randy was born on June 27, 1954 in Nocona, TX to Rowland & Barbara Musick Bowles.  Randy worked for Montague County as a foreman for 36 years.  Before that he worked at the Nocona Boot Company.  Randy made an impression everywhere he went with his witty personality.  He was well known to have great produce from his garden every year. He loved to fish and was a beekeeper.  Randy was a member of Abundant Life Church and Jean’s Men’s Bible Class in Nocona. One thing above all is Randy loved his wife and family.  Always supporting them when he could.  Randy is survived by his wife, Robin Bowles of Nocona, TX, children, Scott Bowles & wife Sarah of Henrietta, TX, Toby Bowles & wife Terah of Nocona, TX, Brady Bowles & wife Amber of Iowa Park, TX, Rowdy Graham & wife Charity of Lewisville, TX, Angie Blackwood & husband Tim of Burleson, TX, Candy Brasier of Burleson, TX, Misty Buckingham & husband Darryl of Cleburne, TX, 15 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, James Carlton Bowles, sister, Barbara Jeanene Bowles Williams, and niece, Amanda Jeanene Williams.  There will be a visitation on Wednesday, June 25, from 6 – 7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Chapel.  A funeral service will follow on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 10 A.M. at Abundant Life Church in Nocona, officiated by Pastor James Messer.  Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery.  Pallbearers will be Cody Messer, Craig Carminati, Dusty Bowles, Ty Bowles, Kirk Bowles and Brian Cagle.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Rusty Messer and Jeff Boutwell.  Memorial donations may be made to Jean’s Men’s Bible Class, c/o Scott Hamilton, 601 Main St., Nocona, TX 76255.

Brenda Sue Durham Jones was born on August 29, 1963 in Bowie, TX, to Curtis Don Durham & Emma Nell Reynolds. She passed from this life on June 5, 2025 in Nocona, TX with her sisters & niece by her side. A celebration of life will take place on June 29, 2025 at 2 P.M. at Terral First Baptist Church in Terral, OK with Pastor Mark Kunkel officiating. Brenda is preceded in death by her parents, Pete & Nell Durham, grandparents, Earl & Ruby Reynolds, and brother, Jerry Durham. Brenda is survived by her husband, Allan Gann of Nocona, TX, children, Misty Torres of New Mexico, Lisa Jones of New Mexico, Tammy Jones of Gordenville, TX, Chris Jones of Whitney, TX, Tony Jones of Bowie, TX, 11 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, sisters, Beverly Jones of Bowie, TX, Barbara Foster & husband Darrell of Bowie, TX, Betty Patton & husband Mack of Waco, TX, Becky McCullar & husband Sloan of Stoneburg, TX, Bobbie Barnett & partner Bill of Stoneburg, TX, brother, Curtis Durham Jr. of Bowie, TX and a host of Aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Mary Lou (Tanner) Fenoglio, 95, died June 10, 2025 in Cherry Street Village in Nocona, Texas. A longtime resident of Ringgold, she had lived her last two years at Cherry Street Village, where she considered her home away from home.

Visitation will be on Friday, June 13, at 6:00 PM. A Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 14, at 10:30 AM officiated by Pastor Craig Rolen. Both will be at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona, Texas. Interment will follow in Ringgold Cemetery.

Mary Lou was born in Fleetwood, Oklahoma on March 3, 1930, to Zabud Lucas Tanner and Norma Saunders Tanner. She was one of 13 children.

She is survived by daughter Diane Conrady and husband Roy of of Windthorst, daughter-in-law Janna Fenoglio of Ringgold, along with grandchildren Lara Wong & husband Tim of Los Angeles, Chance Fenoglio and wife Lacey of Argyle, and Clay Conrady and wife Allison of Windthorst. Nana was so proud of great-grandchildren Rylie, Sunnie, and Bradlee Fenoglio, Hudson, Tucker, Tate, and Stella Conrady, and Vicari and Fenix Wong. She is also survived by sister Bettye Williams of Terral, brother-in-law Jim Sewell of Henrietta, sister-in-law Jackie Tanner of Pampa, and sister-in-law Maurine Meekins of Nocona.

Mary Lou was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Fenix Tony (Sonny) Fenoglio, who was playing the fiddle in a band the night they met.  She was also preceded in death by her Granddaughter Lane, and she always missed her laughter and brightness. In 2023, she was preceded in death by her son Larry; one of the things she missed most was his daily visits for lunch and conversation.

Mary Lou and Sonny lived in Stanfield and Ringgold all of their married life, where they farmed and raised cattle. Besides being a homemaker, she served Ringgold and Muenster Post Offices. She served as Election Judge in Ringgold for several decades.

She helped Sonny in the fields, as well as being a homemaker famous for her great cooking, especially her sweet treats. She quickly embraced the Italian recipes that Sonny’s mom prepared and passed them along to many.  They had a large garden, and enjoyed fresh vegetables, as well as numerous jars of delicious canned foods throughout the year.  Besides making massive amounts of sweets for the Buckle Up for Lane Tournament, she made ‘Smash Cakes’ even before they were called that, allowing the grandchildren to enjoy their cake in the middle of a big table surrounded by family.

She was very active throughout her life, playing softball into her 40s and learning to swim in her 50s. She loved tennis and taught it to her grandchildren. She and Sonny attended numerous Nocona and Windthorst sports events throughout the years, where they were embraced by each community.

Pall Bearers are Bob Henry, Joe A. Staley, Johnny Reynolds, Scott Hinton, Mike Weatherly, and Rusty Weatherly. 

Mary Lou’s family would like to extend a deep gratitude and appreciation for the staff of Cherry Street Village and to the nurses and staff of Hospice of Wichita Falls.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Lane Fenoglio Memorial Scholarship, Ringgold Cemetery Association, or Ringgold Volunteer Fire Department. Memorials may be mailed to Janna Fenoglio, 375 Fite Road, Ringgold, TX 76261.

In Loving Memory of Patricia Jean Snow Goolsby
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Patricia Jean "Trisha" Snow Goolsby on June 7, 2025, in Nocona, TX. She was 75 years old.

Born on December 24, 1949, in Wichita Falls, TX, to James Evert and Freida Jo Snow, Patricia lived a life rooted in love, family, and community. She dedicated years of service to Prairie Valley School and the City of Nocona, bringing kindness and dedication to all she did.

Patricia married the love of her life, Eddie Goolsby, on June 18, 1977. For 48 years, they built a life together filled with devotion, laughter, and unwavering support. She was a member of Valley View Baptist Church, where her faith was a guiding force in her life. Her family was her greatest joy—her children and grandchildren were the heart of everything she did. She found endless happiness in the magic of Christmas and delighted in baking, sewing, and giving back to her community.

Patricia is survived by her loving husband, Eddie Goolsby; her children: Shawn Goolsby, Brandy Mudd and husband Randy, Cody Goolsby, Dusty Smith and husband Craig, Ginger Waldrip and husband Chris; her bonus daughter, JoLinda Bagwill; and her sister, Rhonda Snow. She leaves behind 14 cherished grandchildren Slader Goolsby and wife Makenna, Max Goolsby, Bailey and Blake Mudd, Tanner Eldred, T.J. and Steelie Goolsby, Destrey, Brett and Zakry Smith and fiancé’ Kelsey, Trayton Waldrip and wife Reagan, Kolbie and Cooper Waldrip, Kayla Brown and husband Josh, Cody Bagwill and wife Emily, and Shane Bagwill and wife Katy, five great-grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.  She is reunited in eternal peace with her parents, James Evert and Freida Jo Snow, her brother Gerald Lynn Snow, and her beloved granddaughter, Madi Coffman.

A service celebrating Patricia’s life will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Nocona. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Nocona Carpenter Shop, a cause close to Patricia’s heart.

Patricia’s kindness, warmth, and love will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a light to those around her, a pillar of strength, and a source of endless love. Though she may no longer walk among us, the memories she created and the love she shared remain forever.

"Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near—still loved, still missed, and always dear."

The family deeply appreciates the outpouring of love and support during this time of remembrance and healing. May her legacy be carried forward with love and gratitude.

The service is under the direction of Jerry Woods Funeral Home.

 The family for Dailia Grace Grandfield will be meeting at Jerry Woods Funeral Home at 9 A.M. on Tuesday, May 27, 2025.  A graveside service will follow for her at 9:30 on Tuesday at Nocona Cemetery. 

Shirley Ann Mayo Graves, 75, went to be with her heavenly father on May 17, 2025 in Plano, TX surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on July 23, 1949 in Electra, TX to Carl E. Mayo and Margie Childress Mayo. Shirley was a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family more than anything. She also loved to cook. She worked at the Burger Barn for over 11 years in Nocona. She was a Christian and a member of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Saint Jo. She married the love of her life, Richard Graves, on April 17, 1969 in Nocona, TX. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and son, Michael Lee Graves. She is survived by her husband, Richard Graves of Nocona, TX, children, Bill Graves & wife Wendy of Nocona, TX, Lori Hernandez & husband Rickie of Wichita Falls, TX, brothers, Albert Mayo of Vernon, TX, Jackie Mayo and spouse of Dallas, TX, Tommy Mayo and wife Lori of Breckenridge, TX grandchildren Matthew Graves, John Hernandez, Caitlin Hernandez and 2 great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona from 1 P.M. until service time. A funeral service will follow visitation at 2 P.M. at Jerry Woods Chapel officiated by Brother Ricky Kerr. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank Tuggle, Mike Martin, Mark Murphey, Hank Reed, Jimmy Harris, and Tommy Mayo. Memorial donations may be made to Landmark Missionary Baptist Church, 242 FM 677, Saint Jo, TX 76265 or The Capenter’s Shop, 400 Boston, Nocona, TX 76255.

Pedro Leon Olvera, 48, passed from this life in Nocona, TX on May 11, 2025. He was born on May 19, 1976 in Celya, Mexico Guanajuato, to Juan Olvera and Felixa Leon. Pedro was a part of a big family and hard-worker all of his life. He worked mostly in agriculture as a rancher. He loved working on cars in his spare time, especially with his son. He married Blanca Torres in 1995 in Celya, Mexico Guanajuato. Pedro is preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Rosa, and Juana Gomez, and nephew, Juan Gomez Jr. He is survived by his wife, Blanca Olvera of Nocona, TX, son, Pedro Jr. Olvera of Nocona, TX, daughter, Mariana Hampton & husband Blake of Gainesville, TX, sisters, Yolanda of Nocona, and Margarita of Mexico, brothers, Juan, Luis, Santiago and Francisco all of Mexico, grandson, Aiden Hampton of Gainesville, TX and many nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a rosary at 6 P.M. on the evening of May 18, 2025 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona. A funeral service will follow on Monday, May 19, 2025 at 12 P.M.at St. Jospeh’s Catholic Church in Nocona. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Robert “Mark” McCall, 70, passed from this life on May 6, 2025 at his home in Denton, TX. He was born June 16, 1954 in Nocona, TX to C.S. McCall & Elizabeth “Betty” Terrell McCall. Mark grew up and went to school in Nocona. He had and unbelievable passion for music and it was a big part of his life for years. While in school he was a drummer in the school band. He later went on to play for a country music band for many years. Mark had his BA in banking and worked as a banker for his career. He married the love of his life Jayne Vickery on November 10, 1979 in Las Vegas, NV. Mark was loved by all and will be missed greatly. He is survived by his wife, Jayne McCall of Denton, TX, daughters, Rachel McCall of Melissa, TX, Mary Catherine McCall & Fiancé, Ethan Gardiner, of Keller, TX, Robert “Mark” McCall Jr. & Cori of Grand Prairie, TX, sister, Holly McCall of Nocona, TX, brother, John T. McCall of Dallas, TX, and three grandchildren, Miguel Lira Jr., Nevaeh Lira, and Damon McCall. There will be a visitation on Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 12 P.M. until service time at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church Fellowship Hall in Nocona. A funeral service will follow at 1 P.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nocona with Father Albert Frances officiating. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be W.R. Yarbrough, Brent Burke, Robbie Storey, David Paine, John Grigsby, and Larry Gee. Memorial donations may be made to Autism Speaks,www.autismspeaks.org. or Lucky Paws Animal Shelter, 653 Airport Rd., Nocona, TX 76255.

Robert Edward Adams, Jr., born on August 14, 1952 in Ashtabula, Ohio, passed away peacefully on May 5th in Richardson, TX, leaving a legacy grounded in love for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Bob was the beloved son of Robert Edward Adams, Sr. and Janet Morehouse Adams. At the time of Bob's birth, his father was away on a fishing trip and received a telegram from his wife, which read, "I bet I have a bigger catch than you." Bob's early and unexpected arrival foreshadowed his adventurous spirit, which he carried with him across his entire life. Bob spent his childhood years exploring God's creation along the shores of Lake Erie where he learned to sail and fish and cultivated an unending curiosity for the natural world. Alongside his neighborhood friends, he could often be found deep in the woods building forts and studying insects, birds, and mammals. At the age of ten, Bob's mother sent him to a Christian boy's camp, Deerfoot Lodge, in the Adirondack mountains just north of Speculator, NY. While attending Deerfoot Lodge, he accepted Christ as his Savior and returned for many summers as a camper and as a staff member. The majestic beauty of the mountains and forest, the camaraderie of his fellow campers, and the spiritual mentorship from the Deerfoot staff were an integral part of his spiritual formation. Bob graduated from Colorado State University in 1976 with a BS in Natural Resources. He remained in Colorado for several years teaching before moving to Dallas, TX. In 1984, he received his MS in Education and Biology from North Texas State University. After receiving his masters, he began a 35 year career teaching at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison, TX. Bob taught Biology I and II, and uniquely cherished building and teaching the Marine and Field Ecology curriculums in both the middle and high school. In his early TCA years, Bob enjoyed coaching football and wrestling as he walked alongside and mentored student athletes. He was perennially passionate about showing students the beauty and complexity of God's creation. During his many years at Trinity Christian Academy, he found encouraging and abiding friendships with his colleagues and took great joy in watching his students become as mesmerized with nature as he was. In March of 1988, he married Rhonda Ice Adams. Subsequently, they were blessed with three daughters: Aubrey, Brianna, and Autumn. Bob was a loving, gentle, and ever adventurous husband and father. Always the teacher, he welcomed his family into his interests and taught everyone SCUBA diving, sailing, snow skiing, canoeing, birding, hiking, genealogy, bee keeping, photography, hunting, love of travel, and all things field ecology. Most importantly, he taught us to study and cling to the Bible. He was a wonderful example of our Heavenly Father as he tenderly and patiently walked alongside "his girls." Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Rhonda; his children, Aubrey Fults (Walker), Brianna Hein (Justin), and Autumn Adams (fiancé, Michael Powell); his three grandchildren; and his sister, Ruthie Shook. A memorial service to honor and celebrate Bob's life will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Trinity Christian Academy in Addison. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Trinity Christian Academy's Student Tuition Aid program or Deerfoot Lodge. Bob touched many people positively in his life, living out God's will for us to love Him and to love others. He was so easy to love and is so hard to let go.

Wade Shelton, 95, a long-time resident of Nocona, TX passed from this life on April 28, 2025 in Bowie, TX. He was born on November 24, 1929 in Nocona, TX to Walter Shelton & Mildred Kidwell Shelton. Wade was a hard-worker most of his life working mostly as an industrial machine mechanic and also managing the drive-in movie theater in Nocona. He was a very religious man serving as a member, deacon and sometimes ministering at Molsbee Chapel Church of the Brethren. He married the love of his life Thelma Wright on November 24, 1956 in Lubbock, TX. She preceded him in death in 2012. He is also preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Weldon Shelton, Paul Shelton, and sisters, Oleta and Bonnie Baggett. He is survived by his children, Serina Thomas of Bowie, TX, John Shelton of Sunset, TX, Steve Holcomb of Nocona, TX, 4 grandchildren, Jared Shelton, Stacia Lorenz, Casey Thomas, Samantha Richardson, 11 great-grandchildren, Kristen, Marlee, Jordan, Jalen, Caden, Chandler, Macy, Halo, Wyatt, Morgan, Chase, 1 great-great granddaughter, WrenLee, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. There will be a visitation on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at 1 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow at 2 P.M. in Jerry Woods Chapel on Saturday officiated by Pastor Phillip Weitner. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. 

James Edward Eckert, 81, passed from this life on Friday, April 25, 2025 in Nocona, TX. He was born July 5, 1943 in Sioux Falls, SD to Clarence Eckert and Novella Meinholdt Eckert. He grew up in Oak Cliff, TX, graduating from Kimball High School in 1961. He went on to graduate from North Texas State University in 1965, where he met Barbara Jones. They married on October 2, 1965 in Dallas, TX and shared 59 years together. He taught science and coached football and baseball in the Dallas area before moving to the Houston area, where he and Barbara started a successful medical supply business. James became well-respected in the industry, serving as president of the Texas Association of Medical Equipment Dealers. He and Barbara operated their business until their retirement in 2000, when they moved to north Texas to be closer to family. He was a lifelong Lutheran, serving as president of the local congregation in Houston. He played the trumpet, trombone, and flugelhorn in polka bands for most of his life, beginning in high school and continuing until his retirement, and played rec league softball. James had a larger-than-life personality and was unfailingly loyal, generous, and outgoing to friends and strangers alike. He was hard-working and dedicated to excellence and service, and he cherished his family and put their well-being and happiness above all else.  He is preceded in death by his parents and his son, Mick Eckert. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Eckert of Nocona, TX; his daughter, Catherine Woodbury and husband Dave of Nocona; his daughter-in-law, Sharon Eckert of Celina, TX; his sister, Nina Griggs; five grandchildren, Jordan Eckert, Jared Eckert and wife Danielle, Charlie Woodbury, Madeline Woodbury, and Caroline Woodbury; four great-grandchildren, Lawson, Riley, Hunter, and Colt Higgins; one great-granddaughter on the way, Lilah Eckert; and numerous extended family members. Family visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 30 at 1pm in the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. Services will follow at 2:30pm with Pastor Dave Woodbury officiating. Burial will be at Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers are Byron Griggs, Mark Griggs, Brett Griggs, Johnny Hughes, Wayne Coats, Chris Keck, Ken Koontz, and Steve Watson.  Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church, 511 Cooke St., Nocona, TX 76255.