Obituaries

Alisha Dawn Parsons, 46, of Nocona, Texas, passed away on April 26, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, with her family by her side. Alisha was born on May 31, 1979, in Durant, Oklahoma, to Eddie Jackson and Vivian Moon. She married Nick Parsons in Nocona, Texas, and together they raised two children, Abriawna Moon and Gage Parsons. Alisha was a homemaker, a bookkeeper for Parsons Transports, and a licensed cosmetologist. She dedicated much of her life to caring for her family and supporting those around her. Her greatest love in life was her husband, children, and family, who meant everything to her. Alisha loved traveling and was always happiest near the beach or in the mountains. Out of everywhere she visited, Belize was her favorite place and somewhere she always loved going back to. Alisha is survived by her daughter, Abriawna Moon; her son, Gage Parsons; her mother, Vivian Moon; her father, Eddie Jackson and wife Bobbie; her brothers, Brandon Jackson and Cody Jackson and wife Kjirsten; and her grandmother, Jean Jackson; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Nicklas Parsons; nephew, Chevy Byers; father-in-law, Thurman Bronc Parsons Jr.; mother-in-law Denise Byers; and her grandmother, Donna Tumey.  A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Nocona Indian Booster Club and Montague County Cowboy Church. 

Corina Mincher, 80, passed from this life on May 14, 2026 in Nocona, TX surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 23, 1945 in Atoka, OK to Ben & Mary Thompson Mincher. Corina was a kind person since the day she was born, always looking out for her family and caring for them. Corina had a twin sister, Loriena, and they were known as Pee Wee & Pug. They were inseparable and into their adult life they enjoyed going to the Choctaw Pow Wows. Corina worked at the Nursing Home in Nocona for most of her life where she continued to make sure the residents were well taken care of. Corina grew up going to the Baptist church. She was a down-to-earth woman whom loved her family very much and will be dearly missed. She is preceded in death by her parents, daughter, Malinda Beverage Marshall, granddaughter, Heather Greer, and siblings, Lee Roy, Pam, Sue, Dub, Ruthie May, her twin sister, Loriena, Houston and Lisa. She is survived by her children, Lana Greer & husband Joe Smith of Nocona, TX, Richard Beverage & wife Joanna of Bowie, TX, 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. There will be a graveside service on Sunday, May 17, 2026, 2 P.M., at Ryan Cemetery, Ryan, OK with Pastor Rick Tarpley officiating. Pallbearers will be Joey Beverage, Derik Beverage, Rodney Beverage, Kendell Fleming, Savanna Nail, and Aimee Sowell. Honorary Pallbearers are, Joe Smith, Wyatt Beverage and Nora Flores. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice. 

Sharon Blevins, 79, passed from this life on May 8, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX. She was born on July 5, 1946 in Jacksboro, TX to Truman and Anna May Hazelton McCallister. Sharon was a hard-worker all of her life. She loved to crochet, loved to fish, tend a garden and work outside. She was one to sit in a deer stand and instead of shoot a deer, she would take pictures. She was a very brilliant woman attending college and having a master’s degree. She worked mostly as a nurse all of her life. She was also a member of First Baptist Church in Ryan, OK. She married the love of her life, Joe Blevins on June 22, 1963 in Jack County Texas. Together they raised five sons and contributed to their community. Joe preceded Sharon in death on Jan. 9, 2020. She is also preceded in death by her parents, sons, Stacy Lynn Blevins and Larry Sean Blevins, as well as a granddaughter, Samantha, sister, Ouida and brother, Rex McCallister. She is survived by her sons, Brad Blevins & wife Teresa of Antelope, TX, Nile Blevins & wife Cheramie of Nocona, TX, Lance Blevins & wife Tabatha of Hastings, OK, sixteen grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation on May 11, 2026 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona, TX at 12:30 P.M., followed by a chapel service at 1:30 with Pastor Eric Bayer officiating. Interment will follow in Ringgold Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Ryan First Baptist Church Angel Ministries, P.O. Box 159, Ryan, OK 73565.

Roy Edward Gilleland, 89, passed away on May 2, 2026 in Nocona. He was born on October 3, 1936 to Roy Lee and Tacoma (Poirot) Gilleland in Scotland, TX. He was an Eagle Scout, Scout Master, devout Catholic, member of Knights of Columbus and life member of the Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Union. He was preceded in death by younger siblings, Patsy and two brothers, Johnny and Jimmy. He is survived by daughter, Lauren Bristow, her children, Anne and Eleanor, great-grandchildren, Abey and Maya, son, Justin his children, Molly and Randi, and Roy’s wife Connie Jo. There will be no formal service. A special mass will be said in his memory at a later date and his ashes will be buried by his parents at sacred heart cemetery in Wichita Falls.

Lesli Jan Phipps, 67, passed from this life after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer at her home in Nocona, TX surrounded by her loving friends and family on April 20, 2026. Lesli was born in Nocona, TX on November 8, 1958 to Gerald “Jerry” & Lucia Painter Johnson. Lesli Jan grew up in Nocona and graduated Nocona High School in 1977. She attended Bethel Baptist Church and also supported many organizations in the community. She later attended college at Midwestern State University and was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. She worked mostly in accounting for Northrop Grumman. She married Curtis Phipps on June 3rd 2021 in Henrietta, TX. She was loved by many and will be missed by all. She is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Curtis Phipps of Nocona, TX, children, Blake Gantz & wife Betsy of Euless, TX, Emily Gantz Hicks & husband Chris of Hoover, AL, Garrett Palla of Denton, TX, brother, Craig Johnson & wife Leslie of Dallas, TX and grandson, Hampton Hicks. There will be a funeral service on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 2 P.M. at Bethel Baptist Church in Nocona with Pastor David Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in Hope Cemetery, Henrietta, TX. Pallbearers will be Will Johnson, Ben Johnson, Ryan Johnson, Kevin Johnson, Kaye Rhoades, Tom Skinner and Bill Holcomb. Memorial donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation at www.komen.org.

Sammy Joe Mitchell, 78, passed from this life on April 19, 2026 in Spanish Fort at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Sammy was born on June 4, 1947 in Nocona, TX to Bonnie O. Mitchell Jr. & Mary Lou Cross Mitchell. Sammy grew up in the Spanish Fort area and went to school at Prairie Valley Schools.  Sammy was a hard-working farmer, rancher, and mechanic all of his life, and served his nation in the Airforce.  He was known to take the shirt off his back or anyone in need.  Sammy was a godly man and was a member of First United Methodist Church in Spanish Fort.  He married the love of his life Robbie Hawthorne on May 8, 1971 in Nocona.  Together Sammy and Robbie worked and contributed to the community of Spanish Fort for many years.  Sammy is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Steven Chris Mitchell.  He is survived by his wife, Robbie Mitchell of Spanish Fort, Texas, children, Joe Chris Mitchell & wife Jamie of Spanish Fort, Texas, Kasie Hamilton & husband Jeremy of Bowie, TX, sister, Bonnie Robertson & husband Gary of Spanish Fort, Texas, grandchildren, Dirk Mitchell, Brittan Shoemaker & husband Cody, Mitchell Eldred & wife Ashley, Holt Mitchell & wife Aracely, Lacey Booker & husband Andy, Kellyn Martin & husband Tyler and several great-grandchildren. There will be a visitation on Friday, April 24, 2026 from 5 -6 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona.  A graveside service will be held on Saturday, Aprill 25 at 10 A.M. at Spanish Fort Cemetery in Spanish Fort, Texas.  Memorial donations may be made to The Montague County Youth Fair, c/o Kenton Holloway, 5549 F.M. 1758, Bowie, TX 76230.

Frances Marie Baker, 92, passed peacefully from this life on April 11, 2026 in Decatur, Texas.  Marie was born on January 8, 1934 in Spanish Fort to Charlie Lloyd and Detolia Cain Williams.  Marie worked most of her life as a telephone operator in Nocona, Texas.  She loved to sew clothes for her daughter and was a talented artist.  She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Spanish Fort. For the past few years of her life, Marie was a resident of Independence Hall in Bowie, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her younger sister, Bonnie York.  She is survived by her daughter, Beth Hudson of Brock, TX and her grandsons, Andy (Shea) Hudson of Brock, Eric (Lauren) Hudson of Fort Worth and AJ Hudson also of Brock, along with her three great grandchildren, Laney, Coy and Bridgette Marie Hudson. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joys of her life and she loved to share their stories.   She is also survived by her niece, Karen York of Azle.   There will be a graveside service on Monday, April 20, 2026 at 2 P.M. at the Spanish Fort Cemetery officiated by her family.  Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to The American Macular Degeneration Foundation at the AMDF website.

Gloria Ruth Lee Freeman, affectionally known as “Sam” to many people, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 1, 2026 in Nocona, Texas. Gloria was born on January 22, 1944 to her loving parents Gerald and Margaret Morris Lee in Spanish Fort, Texas in the same house and same bed that her mother was born in.  She spent her early years in Nocona, Texas. After graduating from Nocona High School in 1962, Gloria attended both Midwestern State University and cosmetology school in Wichita Falls, Texas. After graduation, she married Bill Freeman on May 6, 1967 in Gainesville, Texas. They were blessed with one son, Stephen Freeman, which completed their family. Throughout her life, she worked as a skilled and dedicated hairdresser. In this career she was able to meet, help, and befriend many people in the various communities she called home including Arlington, Ardmore, and Austin. Later in life she also served as a nanny to several special children. Her last official job was at The Carpenter’s Shop in Nocona, Texas. She was an avid sports fan, particularly football, who loved her teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs but none more than her beloved Texas Longhorns.  If you ever doubted her love for burnt orange, you were quickly reminded by her wardrobe which was primarily Longhorn attire. While living in Austin later in life, she frequently enjoyed tailgating at and attending the Texas Longhorn games with friends and family. Gloria is survived by her son, Stephen Freeman, of Austin, as well as her sister, Marlene Bishop, and her brother Tim Lee, both of Nocona. She leaves behind her nieces Holly Leindecker, and husband Jeff, of Bowie, Hayley Bishop, of Nocona, and nephew Cody Lee, and wife Laura, of Gainesville. She also leaves behind two great nieces, Lana and Aspen Lee, and her great nephew, Lincoln Lee, all of Gainesville. She leaves behind her chosen grandson, Marshall Lyons, of Oklahoma. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Freeman, and her parents, Gerald and Margaret Lee. She was also preceded in death by her baby sister, Holly Lee, and her brother-in-law, Steve Bishop. Her family would like to express our deep gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff of Nocona General Hospital for providing the utmost care for her in her final days. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church Nocona on Saturday, April 11th, at 11am. Visitation will occur prior to the service beginning at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Lucky Paws Animal Shelter of Nocona as animals, particularly dogs, were something she dearly loved. 

Blake Eckeberger, 50, died in his home on March 25, 2026 with his family by his side. Blake was born on February 28, 1976 in Decatur, TX to John Milton and Darlene Eckeberger.  Blake was a free spirit and a hard worker.  He lived life his way, and he was always up for an adventure.  He worked mainly as a hunting guide and outfitter.  Blake married the love of his life Rachael Ford on March 13, 1999, and together they raised two beautiful children, Madelyn and Jacob.  Blake brought a lot of joy to the people he was around and will be greatly missed.  He is preceded in death by sister, Sunni Bratcher.  He is survived by is wife, Rachael Eckeberger;  children, Madelyn Eckeberger, Jacob Eckeberger and fiance Sky-Lar;  parents, John Eckeberger and Debbie, Darlene Potter and Walter;  siblings, Terri Wilson and Ricky, Patty Grubbs and Jimmy, Brandon Eckeberger and Dedie,  Brian Potter and Shannon, Hillary Bratcher and Jerry, Mollie McDonald and Andy, and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends.  There will be a visitation on Saturday, March 28, 2026 from 6 – 7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bellevue Booster Club, P.O. Box 38, Bellevue, TX 76228, Goldburg PTO, 468 Prater St., Bowie, TX 76230 or Alvord Booster Club, 185 Mosley Ln., Alvord, TX 76225.

Bob Gilbert, 81, of Decatur, TX, passed away on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Denton, TX.  Bob was born on September 26, 1944, in Wichita Falls, TX, to Sonny and Zora (Quinn) Gilbert.  He spent his early years growing up in Nocona and Gainesville before graduating high school in Jacksboro, TX. He got his start training horses in Chico, TX, galloping horses while also working at Gifford Hill and Mitchell Energy. It wasn’t long before he started training horses full time.  He went from racing at “brush” tracks around Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas to racing at Ruidoso Downs, Remington Park, Hollywood Park. Finally settling at Los Alamitos where he ran from 1980 to 2001. Over his career, he had 2,525 starts with 356 first place finishes, 331 second, and 354 third. Later in life he enjoyed watching westerns, playing cards, dominoes, spending time with family, and going out to eat with friends. He is survived by his son Chase and wife Cristy (Decatur, TX), daughter Staci McAvene and husband Ron (La Mesa, CA).  Five grandchildren including Baylie Gilbert (Fort Worth, TX), Beck Gilbert (Decatur, TX), Taylor Quickel and husband Jonathan (Denton, TX), Gabbi Russell (Lubbock, TX), and Piper Russell (La Mesa, CA).  Stepsons Brad, Marty, and Bryan Coffman, brother Tom Gilbert (Runaway Bay, TX), and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents. Memorial service will be held Saturday, March 28, 11:00am at Jerry Woods Funeral Home, Nocona, TX. 

Sandra Yvonne Ice, 84, of Nocona, Texas, passed away on March 12, 2026. Sandra lived a life centered on faith, family, and community, and she will be remembered for her strength, honesty, vibrant personality, and the deep love she had for those around her. Sandra loved her family fiercely and rarely missed an opportunity to support them. Whether it was a game, concert, or award ceremony, she was there - always cheering proudly from the audience. Her joy only grew with the arrival of her great-grandchildren, whom she spoke of with endless pride and affection. Sandra was known for her love of conversation and storytelling. She enjoyed visiting with friends, sharing stories, and could “spill the tea” better than anyone. She was also an avid reader and was rarely seen without a novel close by. Her home was a gathering place for family and friends. Lunches at her home were always more than a meal - they were an experience filled with laughter, love, and time spent together. Sandra took great pride in her appearance and rarely left the house without being fully put together - hair styled, nails done, and makeup just right. She believed in presenting herself as her best self wherever she went. A hardworking and dedicated woman, Sandra poured her energy into caring for her home and family. She also had a passion for gardening and was an active member of the Nocona Garden Club. Sandra faithfully served her church community as the pianist for Bonita Baptist Church, sharing her musical gifts for many years. She was also a devoted volunteer with the Nocona General Hospital Auxiliary Committee, giving her time to serve and support her community. Sandra was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Gene Ice. They were married on December 6, 1959, in Trenton, Texas, and shared more than 60 years of marriage. She is survived by her children, Paul Ice and his wife Laura; Barry Ice and his wife Marsha; and Becky McCracken and her husband Steve, sisters, Paula Caraway, Carla Todd & husband Gailen, Debbie Bosco and husband Larry. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Hutch Ice, Taylor Brakefield, Bailey Ice, Katie Dixon, Hope Ice, Kirkland Hattfield, Will McCracken, Travis McCracken, and Masey Englishbee. Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Dane, Hollis, Koeden, Honey, Liam, Lindyn, Bayler, Brantley, Briggs, and Miles. Sandra’s life was defined by her love for her family, her faith, and the community she cared for so deeply. Her kindness, strength, and devotion will continue to live on in the lives of those who were fortunate enough to know her. Services will be held Monday, March 16, 2026, at Montague County Cowboy Church,1600 FM 455, Montague, TX 76251. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Center Point Cemetery. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

James Ervin Brasier passed from this life on March 7, 2026 in Wichita Falls, TX he was surrounded by his loving family. James was born on October 24, 1946 in Spanish Fort, TX to Mozell Linnerman Brasier. James was a good loving man and a hard-worker. He grew up to be a teacher and had his Masters. He also was a Principal and Superintendent for many years and touched many lives during his time in education. He later retired and worked at the Wellness Center in Nocona where everyone loved to see him and strike up conversation with him. He married Betty Glass on August 30, 1975 in Henrietta, TX. She preceded him in death on August 20, 2025. He is survived by his children, Jamie Brasier of Nocona, TX, Jodi Gomez & husband Benny of Nocona, TX, LeeAnn Ringstaff of Nocona, TX, brother, Charles Brasier of Henrietta, TX, 5 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. There will be a graveside service at Nocona Cemetery on March 28, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4400 Cypress Ave., Wichita Falls, TX 76310. 

Garry Lee Brown, born February 9, 1953, in Nocona, Texas to Doyce & Opal Brown. He passed away peacefully on March 6, 2026 in Childress Texas in the presence of his wife and daughter. On April 3, 1984 he married his wife, Jan Cozart in Eastland Texas. They spent short of 42 years of marriage together. Some of their favorite things to do together were to go on cruises, they visited a variety of places including Alaska and the Panama Canal. Garry worked many jobs in his life but spent the majority of his life working in the peanut industry. He was a dedicated employee of Birdsong Peanuts for 32 years. He was referred to as Nutman by his family, friends and clients. Garry is survived by his loving wife Jan Brown, His daughter April Foard, her husband Justin and granddaughter Harper, and two sons. He is also survived by two sisters, Sue Noble & husband Mike of Woodbridge, VA, and Debbie Merz & husband Richard of Houston, TX, and his father-in-law and long-time friend Royce Cozart of Gorman, TX, along with several additional extended family members. He is preceded in death by his parents Doyce & Opal.  A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 2 P.M. at Spanish Fort Cemetery with Rev. Dave Woodbury officiating. The family request that in lieu of flowers donations be made to CRMC Hospice in Childress Texas, 1001 US-83, Childress, TX 79201. 

Dr. Leo Winburne Newland, age 85, of Fort Worth, TX, passed away on January 22, 2026, at home. Leo was born in Gainesville, TX, on September 15, 1940, to Leo L. Newland and Dorothy Davis Newland of Nocona, TX. Leo spent his youth in Nocona, graduating from Nocona High School. He continued his education at Texas A&M University, earning his B.S. degree in Plant and Soil Sciences. Afterward, Leo went on to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he graduated with an M.S. and PhD in Soil and Water Chemistry. Leo joined the faculty at Texas Christian University in 1968, culminating his long career in the Biology, Geology, and Environmental Sciences Departments with the designation of Emeritus Professor. Across his distinguished career, he taught and mentored countless students, many of whom remained in touch over the years. Always fascinated by cars, Leo focused his attention on the BMW Marque. He was active in the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA) and served in many positions at the local, regional, and national levels. Leo was instrumental in establishing the BMW CCA Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting teen driving safety and preservation of the Marque. Leo traveled extensively for both professional and recreational experiences, visiting most of the USA states and Canada, as well as many other corners of the world, including Germany, the Netherlands, Scandinavia, and other European countries, and New Zealand. Along the way, he made many, many good friends. Leo was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Walton L. Newland and James C. Newland; and his nephews, Jimmy Newland and Jerry Newland. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marian; his nieces, Debbie Newland Youngblood (Don) and Lana Newland Serna (Jeff); his nephews, Richard Newland (Donna), and Terry Newland (Eileene), and their families. He also leaves behind many close friends and colleagues. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel in Nocona. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to:
The TCU Department of Environmental & Geological Sciences, TCU Box 297044, Fort Worth, TX, 76129; or The BMW CCA Foundation, 190 Manatee Ct, Greer, SC, 29651;or a favorite charity

Betty Glass, 74, passed from this life on March 3, 2026 in Nocona, TX. She was born on January 3, 1952 in Nocona, TX to James & Kay Willhelm Cain. Betty grew up in the Spanish Fort area with her family. She was a faithful and loyal member of Valley View Baptist Church in Spanish Fort. Betty went on to work as a paraprofessional in the special education department where she helped and cared for many children through the years. Betty married the love of her life Frank Glass on December 27, 1970 at First Baptist Church in Nocona, TX. Betty loved to do many things, mainly she enjoyed quilting. Most dear to her heart was her family. She helped and supported them whenever she could. Betty is survived by her husband, Frank Glass of Nocona, TX, children, Carla McCaskill & husband Joseph of Justin, TX, Randy Glass & wife Debra of Justin, TX, sisters, Cathy Harris & husband Jimmy of Nocona, TX, Brenda Sutton & husband Bob of Nocona, TX, grandchildren, Bryer, Denim, Kaylin, and Camree. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Linda Kelly. There will be a visitation on Thursday, March 5, from 6 – 7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow on Friday, March 6, 2026 at 3 P.M. at Valley View Baptist Church in Spanish Fort, TX officiated by Pastor Chuck Hittle. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rusty Harris, Scott Gilbreath, Scott Carpenter, J.J. Pigg, Jeff Dodson and Todd Sutton. Memorial donations may be made to Prairie Valley Scholarship Fund, 12920 F.M. 103, Nocona, TX 76255.

Kennie Bates, 90, loving father, uncle, and friend, passed away on March 1st, 2026 in Nocona, TX. Visitation will be from 6 – 7:30 P.M. on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 2 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Cody Bates. There will be a reception for family and friends following the funeral at The Veranda Event Center in Nocona. Kennie was born on February 22, 1936 in Canton, TX to Leila Corlley and Herbert Bates. Kennie was a union Iron Worker, he laid out and erected structural Curtainwall on high rise buildings. Later in life he had a passion for raising and selling Gouldian Finch Birds. He loved spending time with family and being outdoors. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Nawona Caldwell and brother Jack Bates. He is survived by sons: Kennie Rathmell Bates & wife Shelley, Stephen Bates and wife Vickey; grandchildren, Cody Bates, Tanie Johnson and Aric Presley; eight great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.