Obituaries

Don Fenner, 89, passed away on September 13, 2023 in Nocona, TX. He was born on December 23, 1933 in Iowa Park, TX to Jesse Leonard “Jack” Fenner and Louisa Ellen “Louell” Smith Fenner. Don was a 1952 Graduate of Nocona High School where he was Co-Captain and Running Back of the football team, and voted Most Athletic, Class Favorite, and Mr. NHS his Senior Year. Legend has it he climbed up rival Bowie’s Flag pole and took part of their flag after beating them in football his Senior Year. He also played Basketball, Baseball, ran Track, and participated in FFA while in High School. After graduation, Don continued playing sports for many years while participating in the Montague County Men’s Inter-Mural Volleyball League, Bowling leagues, and was even a Golden Gloves boxer in 1961, boxing as a novice in an open match against the eventual state champion in his weight class. His given name was actually Shirley Don Fenner, but you didn’t call him Shirley unless you wanted to experience that left hook of his, or unless you were one of the kids in the family who loved to tease him and be chased by him. 

In 1961, Don married the love of his life, Virginia Mae Rich Fenner in a ceremony at his parent’s home in Nocona. Together they shared a blended family of four children, Farrell Don & LeAnne Fenner and Leslie & Ricky Walker. As a couple, they enjoyed traveling to his oilfield jobsites together, attending their children’s sporting events, playing in inter-mural adult sports leagues, farming, gardening, fishing, and having coffee together in the mornings. The couple met in Chico TX, where Don served as a Volunteer Fireman, a youth league umpire, & coached for the Golden Gloves Boxing organization. After getting married, they first lived in Bridgeport TX, and eventually settled in Nocona TX where they built three homes together over the years, including their current log home where they resided together for more than 20 years. Throughout their marriage, Don enjoyed being spoiled and waited on every day by his wife of 62 years, and in-turn spoiling her with wild plums, blackberries, and spray roses he picked along the sides of the country roads he traveled each day. Their love was faithful and steadfast, and they never left each other’s sight without a kiss goodbye. 

Throughout his life, Don almost never took a day off, much less a week of vacation. Prior to graduating high school, his first job was working in the summers with his brother Lee, climbing poles for an electric company. After graduating high school, he began working seven days a week in the oil business. He first worked on a work-over unit servicing oil wells. Then, he held various jobs for multiple oil companies such as Dowell, Jack Mercer, Boaz, and George Mitchell Oil, was a partner with A & A Engineering for a time, and later ran his own work-over rig, many times working on an oil well for 24 hours or more straight. As the result of an oil field accident early on, he lost part of a finger. That half-finger became the source of his entertainment thereafter by sharing many tall tales of how he lost the finger and by pulling multiple hilarious pranks on his friends and Grandkids throughout the years. Around 1971, Don began pumping at the North Field in Spanish Fort, TX. He pumped for multiple companies & independent well owners including Aries Oil, Davis-Dennis Oil, Donnie Davis Oil, LaMar Oil, Muenster Drilling, Harold Redman, and Rick Lewis until his retirement in 2018 at age 85.  In his spare time, he enjoyed looking after Granddaughter Amber’s cows, completing various woodworking projects, reading & watching westerns, playing his guitar and singing a little, attending some of his Great-Grands sporting events, and of course watching and cheering on his favorite teams, the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys. 

Don took great pride and joy in being called “Grandad” by not only his beloved family, but by many dearly loved friends and their families as well. He was a simple man, dressing in overalls every day, unless it was a special occasion, which called for a collared shirt, slacks, and his favorite Nocona Boots. He was one-of-a-kind from the greatest generation. He never smoked, never drank, and rarely if ever said a curse word. He was a charter member of Jean’s Men’s Bible Class in Nocona, and remained a man of his word his entire life, only needing a handshake to seal a deal. He was loyal to all, fiercely loved and protected his family, and never stopped loving or longing to see those who became distant. His nickname was “Captain Easy” for his easygoing personality exemplified by the fact that he never got a speeding ticket his entire life. He had quite the sweet tooth, with a love for vanilla ice cream and shakes, and enjoyed being treated to a “sweet of the week” by friend Rhonda for several years. He was also known to be a little stubborn, even ornery, and often tried joking his way out of things he didn’t want to do. He hated gravy, pasta, and rice, but loved his morning coffee and reading the newspaper, which his wife, friends, and Grace Care Center staff brought to him daily. His favorite Country artists were Jimmie Rodgers & Hank Williams, and he was a true animal lover, especially fond of his loyal companion, Snoopy. 

Don is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Virginia Fenner, Sister-in-Law Bettie Woolery & husband Ron, Daughter Debra “LeAnne” Owen and husband Lee, Son Farrell Don Fenner and wife Lorie, Grandchildren Christie Walker and husband Robin, Brandie Sparks and husband Cecil, Amber Stilwell, Kandi Walker, Heath Walker, Tommy Walker & Deni Jo, Andre’ Walker, Emily Marr & husband Matt, Jameson Fenner and fiancé Annalisa Moore, Dax Stilwell and wife Brittany, Great-Grandchildren Katelynn Price & Husband Tyler, Ali & RJ Walker, Brittan & Collin Fergason, Brooklee Walker & husband Kolby, Isabela Hernandez, Raenie, Leroy, and Liam Walker, Sabela Stilwell, Scarlett & Reagan Marr, River Fenner, and Great-Great Grandbabies Nolan Price, Micah, Evi, & Amber Walker, and many beloved Nephews, Nieces, and Great and Great-Great Nephews & Nieces. 

Don was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Louell Fenner, his sisters Noma Martin, Bennie Dennis, and Lavene Taylor, his brothers Leonard Doyle (LD) and Walter “Lee” Fenner, sons Leslie Wade (Les) Walker and Ricky Alan (Ric) Walker, Grandson Angel Walker, Great-Grandbabies Caleb & Jacob Sparks, and Nephews, Charles Eddie Rich, Jr. (Little Eddie),  Mike Taylor and Curtis Martin .

Family visitation will be Monday, September 18thfrom 6-7 p.m. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona. A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, Nocona, on Tuesday, September 19that 2:00 p.m., officiated by Jonathan Brown. Interment will follow at Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Robin Walker, Cecil Sparks, David Woolery, Dana Woolery, Ken Koontz, Clint Snow, Jerry Dan Davis, and Donnie Davis. Honorary Pallbearers are Dax Stilwell, Jameson and River Fenner, Tommy Walker, Heath Walker, Kolby Walker, Andre’ Walker, Tyler Price, RJ Walker, Collin Fergason, Liam and Leroy Walker

In lieu of flowers and in honor of Don’s life-long love of dogs and all animals, the family requests memorials be made to Lucky Paws Animal Shelter 653 Airport Rd. Nocona, TX 76255, or to Bethel Baptist Church 310 Seventh St., Nocona, TX 76255, or to a charity of your choice.

Mary Jo Smith, 89, died on September 10, 2023 in Nocona, TX. She was born on September 8, 1934 in Ellis County Texas to Jimmy Thompson and Vita Sheffield Thompson. Mary Jo worked at Horizon Manor Nursing Home in Nocona and also the Nocona Boot Factory. She married the love of her life Bobby Don Smith on September 20, 1952 in Wichita Falls, TX. Mary Jo loved her family and to be around people and fellowship. She always loved supporting her children and grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, son, Ricky Smith, grandchildren, Kayla Dawn Duncan and Ryan Smith, sister, Patsy Schutes, son-in-law, Don Duncan, grandson-in-law, Devon Reed, and daughter-in-law, Sheila Smith. She is survived by her children, Donna Pitman & husband Ricky of Nocona, TX, Bobbie Duncan of Nocona, TX, Chris Smith Sr. of Terral, OK, sister, Ann Andrews of Iowa Park, TX, brother, James Kenneth Thompson of Wichita Falls, TX, 13 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren with 1 on the way and a daughter-in-law, Becky Smith of Saint Jo, TX. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 from 1 P.M. until service time at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will follow on Wednesday at 2 P.M. at Jerry Woods Chapel with Joe Crow officiating. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matthew Smith, Ethan Pitman, Jerry Duncan, Eric Dennis, Colton Reed, and Dustin Pitman. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert Pitman, Chris Smith Jr., Craig Smith, Terry Andrews, Toby Andrews, Jody Walser and Tracy Andrews. Memorial donations may be made to The Carpenter’s Shop, 400 Boston, Nocona, TX 76255.

Richard Pults, 80, died on September 6, 2023 in Decatur, TX. He was born on July 27, 1943 in Nocona, TX to George Pults & Nell Morris Pults. Richard loved his family and community. He worked mostly as a truck driver and stocker for Coca-Cola and later drove overland for different companies. He spent a lot of time with the Nocona Masonic Lodge#753 A.F and A.M. He was a past master and also a 50 plus year member. He married Frances Lavy on June 1, 1985 in Nocona, TX. He is survived by his children, Lana Roberts & husband Kip of Nocona, TX, Tammie Kupper & husband Darrin of Gainesville, TX, Jimmy Dan Pribble & wife Lydia of Tennessee, brother Jim Pults of Virginia, 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife, Frances Pults, daughter, Danna King, and siblings, Georgia, Margaret, Mary and Jane. There will be a visitation on Friday, September 8, 2023 from 6 -7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at 10 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Nocona officiated by Father Albert Frances. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jim Roberts, Dirk Mitchell, Holt Mitchell, Jimmy Bussey, Cody Shoemaker, and Jim L. Keck. Memorial donations may be made to Solaris Hospice or Nocona Masonic Lodge, P.O. Box 35, Nocona, TX 76255.

Jerry Glenn Newland, 64, died on August 24, 2023 at his home in Nocona, TX. He was born on September 7, 1958 in Nocona, TX. Jerry graduated from Nocona High School in 1977. He then attended TSTI in Waco studying HVAC. After graduation he moved to Wichita Falls and began working for James Lane until moving back to Nocona in 1981 taking over the family plumbing business with his brother. Later in life he worked for Palco Heating and Plumbing in Wichita Falls. In 2001 he began working for Schwalbe Inc. in Saint Jo building custom Peterbilt trucks. He took great pride in all his work and could build anything he set his mind to. Outside of work he enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and cooking on his dutch oven. He enjoyed spending lots of evenings with his son, daughter-in-law and grandkids. Early in life he accepted the Lord & Savior into his life. He was a member of Sons of American Legion in Nocona. He was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Cotton Newland, daughter Cassandra Newland and grandson, Christopher Newland. He is survived by his son, William & wife Christina Newland of Nocona, grandchildren, Levi & Laney Newland, Father Jimmy and wife Frances Bonds of Cyril, OK, brother, Terry & wife Eileene Newland of Bonita, TX, sisters, Debbie & husband Don Youngblood of Benbrooke, TX, Lana & husband Jeff Serna of Sanger, TX, daughter, Jennifer Samples of Nocona, TX, half-siblings, Cindy & husband Roger Long of Cyril, OK, Steven & wife Carey Bonds of Morrison, OK, and numerous nieces, nephews and close cousins. There will be a visitation on Sunday, August 27, 2023 from 12:30 P.M. until service time at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 2 P.M. at Nocona Cemetery with Reverend Dave Woodbury officiating. Pallbearers will be Brandon Price, Bobby Walcutt, Levi Newland, Shane Newland, Wesley Newland, and Cheyenne Romine. Memorial donations may be made to the Carpenter’s Shop, 400 Boston, Nocona, TX 76255.

Wilma Jean Shears was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior on August 8th, 2023.  Jean was born on July 30th, 1938, to Marion F. Chilcoat and Wanda Wagner Chilcoat.  She married Eugene Shears on November 1st, 1980.

Jean, also affectionately known as “Mean Jean” by some, was a long-time resident of Nocona.  Jean spent many years as a florist creating beautiful arrangements for customers and those she loved. Jean not only used her gifts to keep the church decorated for all occasions, but also to organize, prepare, and serve meals to many. She devoted many hours checking on folks in the nursing home and serving those in the community that needed help.  Jean could best be described as a hard shell that covers a soft, caring, servant's heart. She will be remembered and missed by many.

Her memories will be cherished by her loving husband Eugene; Kathy & Jimmy Tomlinson of Bowie, TX;  Harvey Hancock of Henrietta, TX;  Mark Hancock of Bowie, TX;  Mike and Lisa Hancock of McLoud, OK;  Patty & Tim Crabtree of Ardmore, Ok;  Randy & Robin Shears of Montague, TX;  Russell & Trish Shears of New Haven, IN;  Rhet & Kim Shears of Nocona, TX;  her sisters Tutts Harrison of Gainesville, TX;  Janice Uselton of Belcherville, TX;  Patsy Davis of Gainesville, TX;  nineteen grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren along with many nieces and nephews.  

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Bill (Rusty) Chilcoat and Larry Chilcoat; her sisters, JoAnn Booher and Merry Alice Hatcher; two grandchildren, Jamie & Jodie Hancock and a great grandchild, Regan Mason.  

There will be a visitation at 10:00 am and a celebration of life at 11:00 am on Saturday August 19th, 2023, at Nocona First United Methodist Church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Jean’s memory to Nocona United Methodist Church, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any charity that is dear to your heart.

The family would like to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Grace Care Center for their compassionate care for Jean.

David Lee Waldrip, 84, of Nocona Texas, passed away on August 17, 2023. David was born on January 7, 1939 to Edison and Pearl Waldrip in Nocona, Texas. He professed his faith in the Lord on May 5, 1948 and was later baptized alongside his mother at First Baptist Church of Nocona where remained a faithful member for the entirety of his life. 

David graduated from Nocona High School in 1957, where he received many honors for his academic and athletic accomplishments. He was a baseball and track star but was best known as an all-state football player where he was the co-captain of the team. He was voted best looking, most athletic, class favorite and class president his senior year. 

Shortly after he graduated, he married his high school sweetheart, Seda Vineyard. They had three children, Eddie Joe, Michael David and Karen Lea. David received an accounting degree where throughout his life he worked various jobs utilizing his degree in the metroplex. After he retired, he moved back to his hometown where he bought and ran the Nocona Radio Shack along with an electronic and video store. Years later he managed several rental properties and opened up Nocona Auto. In his spare time, he loved feeding and checking on his cattle with his best friend “The Hig” (Bobby Eldred).  David is preceded in death by his mother and daddy, Edison and Pearl Waldrip and his precious granddaughter Stephanie Odneal. He is survived by his wife Seda Waldrip; brother Eddie Charles Waldrip and wife Sammye Jo; children Eddie Joe Waldrip and wife Vanessa, Michael Waldrip and wife Tena, Karen Robertson and husband Duane, all of Nocona; as well as eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Arrangements entrusted to Jerry Woods Funeral home. A funeral service will be held on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 2 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Nocona officiated by Rev. Dave Woodbury. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. In-Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Nocona Carpenter Shop, where David and Seda enjoyed many meals together. 

Jackie D. Hill, 78, passed away on August 12, 2023 in Nocona, TX. He was born on April 23, 1945 in Bowie, TX to Elden & Gladys Allison Hill. Jack was a hard-worker all of his life; he was a self-taught engineer with the ability to create anything. He graduated from Nocona High School in 1963 and was a member of Nocona Hills Community Church. He married Donna Watson Pearman on November 8, 2008 on the lake in Nocona, TX. He is survived by his wife Donna Hill of Nocona, TX, children, Kevin Hill & wife Emma of Indiana, Sheri Hill Majors & husband Mike of Fredericksburg, TX, Holly Brinkley of Northlake, TX, Jody Pearman & wife Amy of Sanger, TX, Misti Pearman of Decatur, TX, Cody Pearman & wife Jenn of Jupiter, FL and numerous grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 from 10 A.M. until service time at Nocona Hills Community Church. A funeral service will follow at 11 A.M. with Pastor Paul Coronado officiating. A private family interment will follow at a later date. His grandsons will be pallbearers. Memorial donations may be made to the Nocona Hills Community Church, Ironman Group. 104 Nocona Dr., Nocona, TX 76255.

Linda Carroll Stovall, 76, passed away on August 8, 2023 in Dallas, TX. She was born on May 1, 1947 in Ryan, Oklahoma to Joe & Edna Lee Carroll. Linda worked as a bootmaker, seamstress and a homemaker. She married the love of her life Robert Neal Stovall on December 17, 1965 in Ryan, OK. Linda enjoyed sewing and taking care of her family especially her granddaughter Nealie Ann Stovall. Linda is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert Neal Stovall, siblings, Raymond Carroll, Charles Carroll, Clara Bryant, Estalene Osbonne, Jay Carroll and Eldon Carroll. She is survived by her son Alex Stovall and wife Angela of Nocona, TX, sisters, Cora “Sissy” Gaynor of Round Rock, TX, and Oletha LeFon of Arkansas and granddaughter Nealie Ann Stovall of Nocona, TX. A visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, 2023 from 6 -7 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11 A.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jonathan Brown officiating. Interment will follow in Waurika Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Waurika Cemetery Assn.

 Jimmie Sue Foster, 91, inherited her Heavenly Home, Wednesday, July 26, 2023. She was born March 5, 1932, in a camp house on an oil lease two miles south of Burkburnett, TX to Clarence and Lottie Taylor Richardson. During Jimmie Sue’s childhood, the family lived in Holiday, Olney, Nocona, and the oil-rich North Fields. She transferred to Prairie Valley Schools in the 5th grade, graduating in 1949. She was a stellar basketball and volleyball player throughout her high school years. She continued playing volleyball well into her thirties. Jimmie Sue married Thomas L. Foster in 1949. To this union, a daughter, Gloria Sue Foster was born. In 1952, she married W.W. (Buddy) Bell. They welcomed two sons, Wesley Scott Bell and Yancy J. Bell. The family made their home in Nocona the entire 45 years Jimmie Sue and Buddy were married. Jimmie Sue would work as a lab technician at the Major Clinic Hospital for 27 years. At one Christmas party for all the hospital employees, she was surprised to be named, “Queen of the Hospital” and presented with a crown fashioned from laboratory supplies. Naturally gregarious, Jimmie Sue enjoyed interacting with all the patients and staff. As a result, she formed many life-long friendships and cherished all the wonderful memories. Jimmie Sue was an avid fan of all Westerns, particularly those starring John Wayne. Danielle Steele and other romance novelists provided her hours of reading enjoyment. Her other interests included knitting house shoes for family and friends, and tending all kinds of plants and flowers with a particular talent for propagating Christmas Cacti. Jimmie Sue was a member of Nocona’s First Baptist Church. She served as an adviser to the Girls’ Auxiliary group for four years. She helped the girls complete the requirements of Maidens. Laidies-in-Waiting, Princesses, Queens, Queens-with-a-Scepter, and Queen Regents.  After the deaths of their respective spouses, Jimmie Sue and Tom Foster were reunited in marriage in Nocona, March, 2001. They made their home in Georgetown, TX until 2022, when they relocated to an assisted living facility in Round Rock, TX. Jimmie Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Buddy Bell, and grandchildren John Carver and Lucy Carver. She is survived by her husband, Tom Foster of Round Rock: daughter, Gloria Foster of Montague; sons, Scott Bell of New Braunfels and Yancy Bell of Nocona; and bonus daughter, Marla Young of Dripping Springs. Jimmie Sue was MeMaw to five grandchildren: Melanie Simmons, Wesley Bell, Louise Bell, Dylan Bell, and Kolten Bell; nine great-grandchildren: Jordan Bethel, Adam Simmons, Conrad Cakir, Griffin Bell, Lottie Bell, Aubree Bell, Sebastin Bell, Penelope Khutoryan, and Lando Khutoryan; and two great-great-grandchildren: Davie Jo Bethel and Charlotte Simmons. Visitation will be held at Jerry Woods Funeral Home in Nocona on Wednesday, August 2nd from 7 – 8 P.M. A celebration of life will be held at 10 A.M., Thursday, August 3rd, at Nocona’s First Baptist Church with Pastors Lory Hunt and Dave Woodbury officiating. Interment will be held immediately after the service in Montague Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to Lucky Paw’s Animal Shelter in Nocona, Nocona’s Senior Citizen’s Center (The Carpenter’s Shop), or Nocona’s Tales ’n’ Trails Museum. 

Bobby Dwain Thompson, 76, passed away on July 25th, 2023 at his home in Nocona, TX surround by his family. He was born on November 30, 1946 in Brownwood, TX to Louie and Dorothy Shaw Thompson of Ballinger, TX. He was a master mason of Ballinger Masonic Lodge# 643. He worked in the oilfield in Saudi, Ecuador and in Texas. He enjoyed welding, farming, ranching, horses and bull riding. He is survived by his wife, Angie Thompson of Nocona, TX, children, Kendall Thompson & wife Susan of San Angelo, TX, Trait Thompson & wife Sara of Edmond, Oklahoma, Ty Thompson & wife Stacie of Chicago, IL, Tiffany Voith & husband Austin of Knoxville, TN, brothers, Doyle Thompson & wife Mary of Forestburg, TX, Gary Thompson of San Angelo, TX, sister, Nedra Middleton of Merkel, TX, and grandchildren, Cale and Lilah Thompson, and Vaughn Thompson. He was a preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Eugene Thompson. A celebration of life and BBQ will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Solaris Hospice or Cooks Children’s Hospital.

Journie Rakae Fletcher, 23, died tragically on July 7, 2023 in Montague County Texas. She was born on September 21, 1999 in Nocona, TX to Samuel R. Fletcher Jr. and Angela Ethier Fletcher. She was a loving soul and never knew a stranger and well loved by the community of Nocona. She worked for Premier Company which whom she remodeled the interior of stores for and loved what she did for them. She was a beautiful free spirit, full of love and laughter and had the most beautiful smiile.  She is survived by her parents, Sam Fletcher of Elephant Butte, N.M., Angela Fletcher of Ardmore, OK, grandparents, Lafonda Ethier of Nocona, TX, Sam & Martha Fletcher of Williamsburg, N.M., sister, Jenna Nichole Fletcher of Ardmore, OK, and brother, Jaedyn Hendrix Fletcher of Ardmore, OK. There will be a private family service at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Lucky Paws Animal Shelter in Nocona, TX.

Jennifer Ashcraft, 50, passed away at her home in Wichita Falls, TX on July 11, 2023. She was born on October 17, 1972 in Wichita Falls, TX to Douglas L. Ashcraft and Carol Thomas Ashcraft. She worked mostly as a provider for Home Health and also at Red River Hospital in Wichita Falls. Jennifer was a loving soul. She loved dearly her cats, Hannah & flower, loved sunflowers, butterflies and loved to color with her art pencils. She is preceded in death by her father, Douglas Ashcraft. She is survived by her mother, Carol Keen & husband Lonnie of Nocona, TX, sister, Pam Butts of Nocona, TX, niece, Erin Wolney of Marysville, TN, and nephew, Sinjin Wolney of Marysville, TN. There will be a visitation on Monday, July 17, 2023 from 10 AM until service time at First Assembly of God Church in Nocona. The funeral service will follow the visitation at 11 A.M. also at First Assembly of God Church with Pastor Billy Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Nocona Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jay Eldred, Roger Dyer, Lewis Thomas, Clarence Elliot, Kase Graham, and Steve Kilpatrick. Memorial donations may be made to ASPC, www.aspc.org.

Herschel L. Boyd, 76, died on June 29, 2023 in Nocona, TX surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born on September 4, 1946 in Saint Jo, TX to Herschel A. Boyd and Lena Mae Griffin Boyd.  Herschel was a hard worker all of his life, and spent most of his life working for Texas New Mexico Power in various jobs from lineman to supervisor. The greatest love of his life was his family Herschel married Clara Fenoglio on January 31, 1976 at the First United Methodist Church in Saint Jo, TX.  From that marriage he had two sons whom were his pride and joy. Herschel was a veteran of the US Army, having proudly served his country Korea. He also found great joy in serving his communities. He was a founding member of the Lion’s Club in Petrolia, TX. Herschel was a very involved member, and served on various boards, of First United Methodist Church in Nocona. He was also a member of the Rotary Club in Nocona, and a past member of Nocona Hospital Board. Herschel is survived by his devoted wife of 47 years, Clara Boyd of Nocona, TX. His loving sons, Darrin Boyd of Austin, TX and Wesley Boyd & fiancé Shana Quintanilla of Bastrop, TX; grandchildren, Riley Boyd and Sophia Boyd both of Austin, TX and Jacqueline and Landon Cunningham both of Bastrop, TX; sister-in-law Sharon Boyd of Lakeside City, TX, and nephew, Aaron Boyd of McKinney, TX; and numerous cousins. Visitation will be Sunday, July 2, 2023 from 5 – 6 P.M. at Jerry Woods Funeral Home Chapel.  A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 3, 2023 at 10 A.M. at First United Methodist Church, Nocona, TX with Minister Valleri Sewell officiating.  Pallbearers will be Blake McNew, Lee Frost, Greg Talley, Hank Howard, Nick Mesler, and Tim Meyer.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Assn., Solaris Hospice, 101 W. HWY 82, #B, Nocona, TX 76255, or First United Methodist Church, 200 Grayson St., Nocona, TX 76255.

Sandra Kennedy, 78, died in Nocona, TX on June 23, 2023. She was born to Willard Hugh Sterling and Clara Dlena Brown Sterling on January 3, 1945 in Muenster, TX. Sandra was a homemaker all of her life. She married Joe Kennedy on June 26, 1980 in Nocona, TX. She was a member of Valley View Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband Joe Kennedy, son, Shannon, step-children, Corky and Angela, sister, Brenda Hill, 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 10 A.M. at Shady Grove Cemetery in Montague County Texas with Jack McBride officiating. Pallbearers will be Christopher Sterling, Cody Sterling, Jimmy Crow, Wesley Newland, Clint Pigg, and Gary Johnston. Memorials may be made to Shady Grove Cemetery Assn., c/o Ray Hudson, 108 Jackson, Nocona, TX 76255

James Harrison Green, 83, died on June 12, 2023 in Denton, TX. He was born on September 15, 1939 in Nocona, TX to DeArmond “Dee” Green and Verna Hicks Green. James was a hard-worker all of his life doing many jobs and being known as a “Jack of all trades”. He proudly served his country being a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Nocona V.F.W. Post#8558. He loved his family and supported them whenever he could. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Deanna Black. He is survived by his son, James “Jim” Green of Nocona, TX and sister, Helen Cox of Montague, TX. There will be a memorial service on Friday, June 23, 2023 at The Nocona V.F.W. at 10 A.M. Memorial donations may be made to the Lucky Paw’s Animal Shelter, 653 Airport Rd - Nocona, TX 76255.

Katelyn Beth Smoot, 32, passed from this life on June 10, 2023 in Montague County Texas. She was born on April 8, 1991 in Muskogee, Ok to Dale and Rhonda Smoot. She attended school in Haskell, Ok and graduated from Hilldale High School in Muskogee, Ok. 

Her greatest blessing in life was when her daughter Brooklyn Dale Cotton was born. She loved nothing more than spending all her time with her, whether it be school events, mommy-daughter dates or just snuggled up watching a movie together.

Katelyn’s loving and caring heart for everyone is what made her an amazing home health caregiver. Her fun-loving and outgoing personality; along with her contagious smile and laughter will forever be remembered, loved and missed by all who knew her. 

She is preceded in death by her father, Dale Smoot; Grandfather, Delbert Smoot; Grandmother, Rosalie Rains; Grandfather, Jerry Jackson. 

She is survived by her mother, Rhonda Smoot and Gary Bussey of Terral, Ok; daughter, Brooklyn Dale Cotton of Terral, Ok; Grandmother, Angie Jackson of Terral, Ok; sister, Jessica Todd and nephew Corbin Todd of Haskell, Ok; brother, Derek Smoot and wife Samantha Smoot, nephews Domonic and Titus Smoot; nieces Gracelynn, Harley and Elsie Smoot of Terral, Ok. Along with many, many other family and friends. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

No services pending at this time.