Obituaries

Eddie Mae (Banks) Tramell, 94 of Nocona, Texas passed away March 27, 2025 in Wichita Falls, TX. Family visitation will be held on Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 5 – 6 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona. A funeral service will be held at Nocona Hills Community Church at 1 P.M. on Monday, March 31, 2025. The graveside service will follow at 2:30 P.M. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Woodbine, TX officiated by Pastor Paul Coronado. Eddie Mae was born, January 6, 1931 in Gainesville, TX, to George and Ardina Banks. She grew up in a close-knit family and community where she formed lifelong friendships. She married Billy Ray Tramell on May 13, 1950, and they made their home in Gainesville and later moved to Nocona. She was a devoted mother to her two daughters, a cherished grandmother to her four grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to her seven great-grandchildren. Eddie Mae was a woman of many talents. She was an exceptional cook, renowned for her homemade meals that brought family and friends together. Her famous fried chicken was especially beloved by her grandchildren, and she took great joy in sharing her culinary secrets with the next generation. Eddie Mae was also an avid golfer, a ferocious 42 player, and loved dancing. Her vibrant personality and kindness left a lasting impact on those around her. She was an active member of the Nocona Hills Community Church. Eddie Mae is survived by her two daughters, Brenda Pirkey and Barbara Hoover and son-in-law, Donald Hoover; her grandchildren, Jason Pirkey and his wife Nancy, Kenny Foerster and his wife Brittnay, Adam Rehfeld and his wife Cherie, and Jennifer Rehfeld; and her seven great-grandchildren, Natalie Pirkey, Jacie Pirkey, Travis Foerster, Brooke Rehfeld, Jessica Rehfeld, Makenzie Moon and Kennedy Foerster. Pallbearers will be Jason Pirkey, Kenny Foerster, Adam Rehfeld, Travis Foerster, Joe Banks, and Danny Morris. Honorary Pallbearers are Carroll Keck, Tommie Sappington, and Richard Haralson. Memorial donations may be made to Cherry Street Village, 200 E. Cherry St., Nocona, TX 76255.

Gloria Ann Stone, 93, passed from this life on March 4, 2025 in Nocona, TX. She was born on July 23, 1931 in Oakland, CA to Robert & Laura Frace VanCleave. Gloria was a hard-worker all of her life, working as a Dental Assistant. She had many hobbies including being a tailor and was known to be able to sew anything together, she also loved to play bridge and other card games. She was a member of Nocona Hills Community Church, The Delphians and The ARC’s. She is preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law, Henry “Hank” Starke and brothers, Robert & Edward Van Cleave. She is survived by her children, Laura Starke of Nocona, TX, James H. Stone & wife Deana of Fort Meyers, FL,brother, Phillip VanCleave of Midlothian, VA and grandson, Christian Johnson of Austin, TX. There will be a memorial service for her on Saturday, March 29th, 2025 at Nocona Hills Community Church at 11 AM with Pastor Paul Coronado officiating. A private family interment will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to The Stanley Fulton Memorial Veteran’s Fund at Nocona Hills Community Church, 104 Nocona Dr., Nocona, TX 76255

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Sarah Blasingame on March 13, 2025 at the age of 90. She was born on November 20, 1934 in Corinth, MS. Sarah was a loving mother, grandmother and a beautiful soul who would help anyone. Her radiant smile lit up any room she entered. She enjoyed going to church, bible study, picnics, canning jelly with her granddaughters, traveling, reading and beating everyone who would play cards, dominoes or checkers with her. She lived life to the fullest and loved spending time with her family, and being the best Mimi to her grandchildren. Perhaps her most profound achievement was her loving and enduring marriage to her husband of 43 years. Together, they built a family grounded in love and respect, sharing eight children together.  Sarah was preceded in death by her husband Neal Jay Blasingame, parents Jack Akin, Luther and Ethel Wilkins, brother Jeri Wilkins, son Wayne Blasingame, daughters Barbara Harell and Inez Crain, grandchildren Christine, Charles and Travis, and great grandchildren Randy, Taci and Kaylee. She is survived by her sister Shirley Chileski, children Harold and wife Karen, Larry and wife Ellen, Roy, Mike and Kay Blasingame, 24 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren and 3 great-great-great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews. Though she spent the majority of her life in Montague County, Sarah spent her final months of life residing in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, where she was cherished by all she came in contact with. She never met a stranger which for her meant each person she met became an instant friend. She will be greatly missed but her legacy will live on through us. Pallbearers: Scott Dixon, Clayton Fellows, Hunter Climer, Mark Means, Kash Means, Michael Blasingame and Scott Blasingame.  Honorary Pallbearers: Jim Blasingame and Kelly Hall. A visitation will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 1 P.M., Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.  A funeral service will follow visitation at 2 P.M. on Saturday, March 22 at Jerry Woods Chapel with Bryan Boothe officiating.  Interment will follow the service in Dye Mound Cemetery, Montague County Texas. A special thank you to Church on the Move, Sonny Ozuna and Rob Means. Thank you for your love, support and prayers.  

Amy Hancock was born in Nocona, Texas, August 17, 1953. Though there are no pictures to confirm it, anyone who knew Amy would not be surprised if the nurses in the room had said she was already smiling and laughing within a minute or two of her birth. And the reality is that she rarely ever stopped. Her mother and father were so proud of their beautiful daughter. She was the apple of her daddy’s eye. She was her mother’s little angel. Whether she and her sister were playing in their “kitchen” or entertaining each other with a “tea party”. Amy was laughing , her laugh was infectious. When she started, everyone within earshot would join in. She had a bubbly personality and was a friend to everyone. She was a part of a large extended family and had many cousins. Amy was everyone’s favorite cousin. Both of her grandmothers loved her and enjoyed having her with them. As she grew up, Amy had many, many friends. She was in the Bluebirds and Campfire girls. She loved attending Camp Letoli! Later, she became a member of the Rainbow Girls. She was dedicated and was valued by her friends an the adults in the organization. She was a regular participant in the “twirling” camps offered each summer. Amy loved twirling her baton. She worked hard to perfect her skills and was rewarded by being named one of the majorettes for the Nocona High School Band. She was popular and was elected Band Sweetheart in 1971. After high school, Amy attended beauty school. Her real success was in loving little kids. Whether it was her nieces and nephews, the children of her nieces and nephews, or the children of friends. Amy simply loved kids. She helped raised so many in and around Nocona. Amy loved sports and supported all those kids with attendance to their games for as long as her health allowed. She was treasured by everyone whose life she touched. On Thursday, February 27, 2025, Amy passed on to eternal life, reunited with her parents and a multitude of family and friends in heaven. Amy is preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Vane and Frances Marsh, paternal grandparents, Joe and Cora Hancock, parents, Billie Joe and Georgia Hancock Faver, and stepfather, Forrest Faver. She is survived by a sister; Becky Fleming and her husband Kendel, a stepsister, Lisa Shepard, and a host of nieces, nephews and their children. Although she wasn’t a mourning person and often started her day in a less-than-ideal mood, she was for the most part,a happy, loving and caring person, whose presence was a blessing to all who knew her. We are all fortunate to have had her in our lives. There will be a celebration of her life on Sunday, March 16, from 2:30 – 4:30 P.M. at the VFW in Nocona, TX. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lucky Paws, Nocona Senior Center/Carpenter’s Shop or American Cancer Society.

Edward Arnold Fenoglio Jr (Eddie, Bubba)

Eddie was born April 5, 1970, in Graham, Texas, to Kathy Maisen Fenoglio and Edward Arnold Fenoglio, Sr. Eddie (Bubba) was raised in Montague County farming, ranching, and attending school in Montague and Nocona. Throughout his early years, he earned many accolades, from All-State Spitting Champion at age 13 to Mr. NHS, Best Looking, and Most Athletic at Nocona High School. He participated in FFA, football, track, basketball and baseball. Eddie was a State Qualifier in Debate and Livestock Judging, Regional record holder in Pole Vault, and a State Qualifier in 440/mile relay. Eddie was a member of the Nocona Masonic Lodge#753, Bowie Masonic Lodge#578, Royal Order of Jesters Ct. 85, Maskat Shrine, Scottish Rite, and Knights of Columbus. After high school, Eddie attended Cooke County College, Midwestern State University, and Southwestern Texas State University where he earned a BSBA in Management and Finance along with his Long-term Care Administration Degree. Over the past 30 years, Eddie worked in long-term care – 20 years with Brookdale Living, holding many positions of leadership and ultimately becoming a consultant for several companies. His influence continues to be felt across the industry to this day. His standards of care and culture are unprecedented and unsurpassed by anyone. A former CEO stated, “Give it to Eddie, and he will turn good to gold.” Eddie is survived by his wife, Chris; sons, Benjamin Baker (Angela), Hunter (Kaycee), and Chandler; grandsons, Ryder, Paxton and Rhodes; sisters, Becky Fenoglio Hankamer (Hank) and Jennifer Fenoglio Langer; nephews, Maisen Hankamer and Samuel Martin; nieces, Isabella and Katherine McCaskill. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. His pride and joy were his children. To have sons was the ultimate blessing in his life. He provided and worked endlessly to support his family. He was the rock, foundation, and builder of all his family is or ever will be. There are no words on paper to describe or fully embrace who and what Eddie (Bubba) was, but one thing is for certain – God created a great man and now he can rest in God’s presence fulfilled. There will be a visitation on Saturday, March 8, from 4 -5 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow on Sunday at 2 P.M. at Montague County Cowboy Church, Montague, TX with Pastors Joe Caballero, Paul Coronado and Father Albert Francis officiating. Interment will follow in Montague Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Wichita Maskat Shrined, Montague ISD or Nocona ISD.

Marcus Anthony Collins,64, died at his home on February 19, 2025 in Montague County Texas. He was born on November 23, 1960 in Wichita Falls, TX to Grant Collins and Jonquetta “June” Collins. Marc worked as an RN at Nocona General Hospital. He married Janean Emory whom he leaves behind with his passing. He is survived by his wife, Janean Burget of Montague County Texas and his daughters, Cheyenne Collins, Lacie Collins, and Brooke Collins all of Montague County Texas and one sister. Julie. There will be a private family service for Mark at a later date.

Gabe Markwood Groves was born on December 25, 1939 in Nocona, TX to Claude and Fannie (Roberts) Groves. He was preceded in death by his parents. He passed away at the age of 85, on February 23, 2025 in Nocona, TX. He is survived by brothers, Bob Groves and Homer Groves & wife Pam both of Nocona, sisters, Fannie Curnutte and Dorothy Etter both of Gainesville, Nancy Lester of Mustang, Oklahoma and Mae Groves of Nocona, and many neices and nephews. A graveside service will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 2 P.M., at Shady Grove Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Joe Crow. 

Carolyn Joyce Bell, beloved daughter, sister, wife, Mom, Nana, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025 in Denton, Texas at age 76. Born, July 31, 1948 in Saint Jo, Texas, she attended Nocona schools and graduated in 1966. Her career commenced at the Nocona Boot Factory. Carolyn then dedicated over 43 years in Montague County, serving in various courthouse roles, including the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension office, where she played a vital part in promoting youth programs. Regularly, Carolyn was a smiling face at Bell’s Drive In. Carolyn shared 48 years of marriage with her high school sweetheart, Ronnal Bell, and they raised their sons, Bobby and Brady, in Montague. After retiring, Carolyn and Ronnal spent time with their children, grandchildren, family and friends. Carolyn enjoyed quilting, gardening, cooking Bell’s famous burgers, Hallmark movies and traveling. Carolyn lived a life filled with love, dedication and compassion to friendships and community, and a kindness that touched all who knew her. Preceded in death by her parents, George Paskel Larison and Mattie Evelyn Burke Larison, and her husband Ronnal. Carolyn leaves behind her sister, Barbara Culwell, brother, Larry Larison (wife Kim); sons, Bobby (wife Cora) and Brady (wife Brandi) and grandchildren, Mikaella, Nikolas, Breecia, and Maverick. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Carolyn’s warmth, strength and unwavering love for her family will be deeply missed. Her legacy will continue to shine through the lives with whom she crossed paths. She continues her life in the presence of Jesus Christ, her Savior. There will be a visitation on Friday, February 21, 2025 from 6 – 7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will be held on February 22, 2025 at 2 P.M. at Nocona Cemetery with Rev. Dave Woodbury officiating.

Catherine “Cathy” Bonilla, 68, passed from this life to the next on February 8, 2025 at her home in Bowie, TX surrounded by her loving family. Cathy was born on November 14, 1956 in Henderson, KY to Whitey Templeton and Betty Tapp Templeton. Cathy was family-centered and a hard-worker all of her life. She loved and supported her family whenever she could. She married the love of her life David Bonilla on April 2, 1975 in Lewisville, TX and they shared a happy life together. Cathy loved to help others with her time. She volunteered many hours and helped many people at the Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center in Bowie. She was also a member at Freedom Life Church in Bowie. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend. She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, David Bonilla of Bowie, TX, children, Dereck Bonilla & wife Sarah of Bowie, TX, Kathleen Bonilla of Bowie, TX, sisters, Carol Riggins of Rowlett, TX, Mary Templeton of Lewisville, TX and three grandchildren, Easton, Avery and Elias. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Clear Choice Pregnancy Resource Center, 110 W. Wise St., Bowie, TX 76230

Jacky Ramsey, 72, passed away on February 16, 2025 surrounded by his family. Jacky was born on March 27, 1952 in Gainesville, TX, to Al and Marie Tiffee Ramsey. Jacky was a loyal and hard-working man. He worked for 29 years at Nocona Boot Co. and 19 years at API in Gainesville, TX. Jacky was a member and a deacon at First Baptist Church in Nocona as well as a Past Master at Nocona Masonic Lodge#753 A.F. & A.M. Jacky had many passions in his life including, making crosses out of horseshoes or wire or anything he could use, Bicycling and exercise, but his main passion was his family. He would take time out of whatever he was doing to spend time with his wife and children, whom he loved with all of his big heart. He married Louise Wilson, the love of his life on August 10, 1970 in Bonita, TX at her family’s home. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Barbara Gideon and Phyllis Ramsey. He is survived by his wife, Louise Ramsey of Nocona, TX, children, Melissa Trentham & husband Jeffrey of Nocona, TX, Crystal Roberts of Nocona, TX, Kellsey Ramsey & wife Brooke of Melissa, TX, siblings, Karen McNew of Wichita Falls, TX, Diane Carpenter of Nocona, TX, Rickey Ramsey of Whitesboro, TX, Roger Ramsey of Nocona, TX, Ronnie Ramsey of Decatur, TX, 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 from 1 P.M. until service time at First Baptist Church in Nocona. A funeral service will follow visitation at 2 P.M. on Wednesday at the church with Rev. Dave Woodbury officiating. Interment will follow in Longbranch Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to, www.yourcpf.org for cerebral palsy research, Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, P.O. Box 122027, Dept. 2027, Dallas, TX 75312-2027, or Nocona Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 35, Nocona, TX 76255.

Barbara Ann Rector, 75, passed away on February 7, 2025, in Nocona, Texas, surrounded by her loving kids. Born on April 26, 1949, in Rotan, Texas, Barbara graduated from Rotan High School and pursued a distinguished career in banking. She dedicated 40 years of her life to both the Citizens Bank and then served as City Manager both of Knox City. After retiring from public service, she embraced life as a devoted wife and mother. Barbara found immense joy in spending time with her family, especially her beloved granddaughter. She had a passion for cooking, reading, and sewing—hobbies that brought warmth and creativity into her home. Her love for her family was evident in everything she did, and she cherished every moment shared with them. Faith played an important role in Barbara’s life from an early age. While living in Knox City, she attended O'Brien Baptist Church. After moving to Montague County, she worshiped at Montague County Cowboy Church alongside her children. Barbara is survived by her daughter, Lila Jo Keck; son-in-law, Staley Keck; granddaughter, Sage Keck; brother, Mickey Early and his wife Connie; two nieces; and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her husband, John A. Rector, Jr; parents, Wilburn D. and Daphene Early; and brother, Billy Joe Early. A visitation to honor Barbara's life will be held on Sunday, February 9, at Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona, Texas, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. A graveside service will take place on Monday, February 10, at 1:00 p.m. at the Rotan Cemetery in Rotan, Texas. Barbara’s memory will live on through the love she shared with those around her. May her legacy bring comfort to all who knew her.

Marie Ramsey, 96, died on February 3, 2025 in Bowie, TX surrounded by her loving family. Marie was born on November 16, 1928 in Wolfe City, TX to A.B. Tiffee Sr. & Beaulah Baer Tiffee. Marie was a homemaker all of her life, loving and supporting her family. Marie put God and family above all always making herself available to them whenever she could. Marie was a long-time member of Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona. She worked many jobs at the church always making sure she supported where she could. She was also a longtime member of Nocona Women’s Hospital Auxiliary. She married the love of her life Al Ramsey on December 26, 1945 in Roxton, TX. They spent many years of life and love together before he preceded her in death in 1991. Marie is also preceded in death by her parents, and children, Phyllis Ramsey, Barbara & Joe Gideon, and siblings, Pauline Tigue, Alma Stanton, William B. Tiffee, Dora Mae Locke, James “Pete” Tiffee, and A.B. Tiffee Jr. She is survived by her children, Rickey Ramsey & wife Fay of Whitesboro, TX, Karen McNew & husband Dwight of Wichita Falls, TX, Jacky Ramsey & wife Louise of Montague, TX, Diane Carpenter & husband James of Nocona, TX, Roger Ramsey & wife Virginia of Nocona, TX, Ronnie Ramsey & wife Rose of Decatur, TX, and 141 grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 1 P.M. at Bethel Baptist Church, followed by a funeral service at 2 P.M. with Minister Patrick Hill officiating. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Grandchildren will be pallbearers. Memorial donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 310 7thSt., Nocona, TX 76255. 

Janice “Jan” Smith, 69, passed from this life on January 18, 2025 in Nocona, TX. Jan was born on March 13, 1955 in Mexia, TX to A.G. Foley & Elnar Bennett Foley. Jan was a homemaker most of her life, always supporting her family and taking care of the home. She was a member of Montague County Cowboy Church. She married Calvert “Bubba” Smith on June 7, 2014 in Henderson, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents and son, Reuben Foley. She is survived by her husband, Calvert “Bubba” Smith of Nocona, TX, children, Kimberly Meyers & husband Jeff of Tatum, TX, Michelle Castlow & husband Robbie of Jewett, TX, Bobby Smith & wife Shelly of Hawkins, TX, Niki Smith of Denton, TX, grandchildren, Colton Foley, Laurie Kirkner, Tara Lynn Owens, Milee Jackson, Nakol Smith, Peyton Lozoya, McKenzi Smith, John Castlow, Raymond Castlow and 9 great-grandchildren. A private family service will take place at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Montague County Cowboy Church, 1600 F.M. 455, Montague, TX 76251.

Joyce Cantrell, 73, passed from this life on January 17, 2025 in Bowie, TX. Joyce was born on December 13, 1951 in Slaton, TX. Joyce was a hard-worker and loved her family. She was a private person and usually kept to herself and to her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, and children, Sarena Hallberg and James Michael Cantrell. She was survived by her son, Shawn Cantrell & wife Norma of Sunset, TX, brother, Rocky Cheney of Lubbock, TX, 5 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Stacey Ann Moore, 57, mother, sister, wife, great friend, and awesome Granny, passed away while at home on December 8, 2024, in Nocona Hills.  She was born on September 8, 1967, in Seminole, TX to Johnny Agnew & Arlene Smith Agnew. 

Stacey spent 20 years working for CoServ Electric in Corinth, TX. Upon her retirement, Stacey became very active in her community, she was a member of Nocona Hills Community Church, Nocona Hills VFD, and Nocona Hills Ladies Assn as well as being on the Board of Directors for A Hand Up in Nocona.  Along with a caring and giving heart, Stacey enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. It could be a casual gathering, fishing, or watching her grandkids play ball, which was a big part of her life. Stacey loved and enjoyed her daughters and grandchildren tremendously. Stacey loved her family and friends to the fullest and lived life out loud. Stacey’s presence in this world will be greatly missed.

Stacey is survived by daughters, Ashley Tipton  (Chase) of Aubrey, TX, Allie Sherrin (Steven) of Bryson, TX, step-daughters, Krysta Irwinsky (Clinton) of Rio Vista, TX, Kaytlynn Hornbeck (Dylan) of Savoy, TX, sister, Bonnie Conner (Scott) of Prescott, AZ, brother, Eddie Agnew (Linda) of Saginaw, TX, grandchildren, Brayden & Blake Bagley, Cole Tipton, Mason & Harper Sherrin, Hagen & Cooper Irwinsky, Averi & Lexxa Crittenden, Colter & Laykynn Reschke, and wife, Shellie Hornbeck of Nocona, TX. 

In remembrance of Stacey, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Nocona Hills Community Church, with Pastor Paul Coronado officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested a memorial donation to be made to Nocona Ministries, A Hand’s Up, PO BOX 214 Nocona, TX 76255 in honor of Stacey Moore.

Zelda Bingham, 86, passed from this life to the next on December 24, 2024. She was born on June 20, 1938 in Terral, Oklahoma to William Houston “Jack” Lovelace and Cora Agnes White Lovelace. Zelda was a homemaker most of her life. She always cared for her husband, children and family. She married Alvin Bingham in 1958 in Bowie, TX. He preceded her in death in 1994. She is also preceded in death by her parents, and sons, Robert Bingham and Noah Preston Bingham. She is survived by her son, Jackie Bingham, sisters, Cecilia Harnois, Irene Clingenpeel and brother, Houston Lovelace Jr. There will be a graveside service on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at 2 P.M. at Montague Cemetery. Memorials may be made to a charity of choice. 

Donald Ray Taylor, 86, died on December 21, 2024 in Nocona, TX.  He was born on January 20, 1938 in Nocona, TX to Johnny & Ozella Lewis Taylor.  A lifelong resident of Nocona, Donald Ray never met a stranger and always found a fencepost to strike up a conversation. He loved to tell stories and laugh; you never knew what he might say. Most of the time, he had no filter, and said the things all of us were thinking, but would not dare say. He loved kids and dogs. His wife used to say, “I never saw a dog or kid that wouldn’t take up with Donald Ray”. His dog, Buddy, became his constant companion after the death of his wife. He coached his sons’ little league baseball team, Rotary Club, for many years, which resulted in multiple championships. Sports was always a big part of Donald Ray’s life, whether playing or watching. After his softball playing days were over, he took up a more reserve sport – golf. He could literally talk a golf ball into a hole! However, it usually involved some rather colorful language. Donald Ray could always be identified on the golf course – he was the one with his hand on his hip looking disgusted at his previous t-shot! Donald Ray and his wife Pat, went on numerous golfing trips with the Mike and Sue Henry, Jimmy and Ann Fitts and Don and Jackie Montgomery, as well as other friends. These people became their life-long friends. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers. To hear him on game day, you would have thought he owned the team! He was fortunate to see his Texas Rangers in a World Series game. He also enjoyed watching golf on tv, as well as the PBR (Professional Bull Riding) and was able to attend several of those events. He worked several years for Bowie Industries in Bowie, Texas before he began working for Nocona ISD. Donald Ray became the supervisor of maintenance and transportation for the school district and worked for them until he retired in 1999.  He was a proud veteran having served in the U.S. Army. He married the love of his life Patsy Cheshier on August 25, 1965 in Nocona, TX.   He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Patsy Taylor, and son, Brad Taylor.  He is survived by his children, Jeff Taylor of Orange Grove, TX, John Taylor & wife Sandy of Christoval, TX, Kim Taylor of Dallas, TX, two grandchildren, Tanya & Amber and 2 great-grandchildren and his dog, Buddy. There will be a funeral service on Friday, December 27, 2024 at 2 P.M. at Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tom Skinner, Steve Tettleton, Bob Langford, Jon Dunfee, Manuel Sanchez, and Coley Frye.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmy Bennett, Mike Henry, Chris Tettleton and Toby Howard. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the St. Jude’s Hospital.