Patricia "Pat" Carol Nolan

Patricia Carol McDowell Nolan was born February 20, 1942, to Dexter “Deck” and Helen McDowell in Pampa, Texas. She entered her heavenly home on August 17, 2026.

Pat will be available for viewing from 8:00 AM-8:00 PM, Thursday, August 20, 2026 at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home. Services celebrating Pat’s life will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 21, 2026 at Coulter Road Baptist Church. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

Pat was a 1960 graduate of Lefors High School, where she participated in multiple sports. She married her high school sweetheart, George “Tex” Nolan, on June 18, 1960. Together, they attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University, where Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in education, majoring in physical education and history. In 1963 they welcomed a daughter, Kris to their home and in 1966 a son, Dodd completed their family.

Pat began her teaching career at Hillcrest Elementary in Dumas, where she taught physical education from 1970–1972. She then taught physical education and social studies at Sunray Elementary from 1972–1981 and social studies at Dalhart Elementary from 1981–1983.

Pat and Tex taught their family the importance of caring and helping others. After Kris and Dodd had left home, they welcomed a Dalhart student named Charley Tiggs into their home to live with them during his senior year because of instability at his home. He has remained a special part of their lives and the importance of caring for others’ lives on in their children and grandchildren.

In 1984, Pat began working for Valu-Line Phone Company, where she remained until 1996. From then until the present, her greatest joy and most important role was being the best and most supportive Nana to her grandchildren. She never missed an activity in which her grandchildren were involved. She volunteered at their elementary schools, helped serve lunches to Sandie football and baseball teams, and proudly cheered from the stands. She loved to say that she had five state volleyball championships as she supported her three granddaughters. There was rarely an opportunity to support her grandchildren that Pat would miss.

Pat’s love of sports was the perfect complement to Tex’s lifelong career as a coach, teacher, and athletic director. She spent many years alongside Tex supporting athletes in Pampa, Sunray, and Dalhart where Tex coached and Amarillo ISD athletics during his time as athletic director for the district. She became well known throughout the Panhandle for the delicious desserts she prepared for the press box at every football game at Dick Bivins Stadium. Even after Tex’s retirement, they continued to support Amarillo ISD teams. Following Tex’s death in 2021, Pat continued to attend many Amarillo High volleyball and basketball games. She was truly an avid sports fan and loved being part of the excitement.

Pat spent many years as a member of the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce Sports Committee, which honored “Players of the Month” from area schools. She served as the final president of the NWIT tournament held in Amarillo before the NCAA began hosting the tournament. She also served for approximately 20 years on the Panhandle Sports Hall of Fame Committee. Pat enjoyed working out at the Town Club and especially enjoyed having coffee and visiting with her friends.

Pat loved decorating her home and shopping for a great bargain on the latest fashions. Pat enjoyed participating in community bowling leagues in Dalhart and Amarillo. She was fun to be around, witty, quick with a joke, and always ready to enjoy a good time. More than anything, Pat loved having her family together. Her family was her pride and joy.

In March 2025, Pat decided she was ready for a change and moved to the independent living apartments at The Craig Senior Living Community. When asked how she liked living there, she often replied, “I can’t think of a thing I don’t like.” She quickly made dear friends and looked forward to dining and visiting with them each day.

Pat was especially proud to share with her friends about her 14 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. She took an active role in creating special, one-of-a-kind Christmas stockings for each of them, sewing beads and sequins onto every stocking herself. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were among her greatest blessings, and she treasured every moment she spent with them.

Pat was a faithful member of Coulter Road Baptist Church and was active in her ladies’ Sunday School class until her passing. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she loved the friendships and fellowship she found there.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Kris, and husband, Michael David; her son, Dodd, and wife, Jennifer Nolan; her grandchildren, Halie and Mitchell Sims, Micah and Brian Smith, Nolan and Lauren David, Samantha and Paul Thorson, Cole and Abby David, and James and Carson Castleman; and her 14 great-grandchildren: Zayden, Michael, Hunter, Noah, and Callum Smith; Paxton and Harrison David; Macklin and Calder Sims; Jack and Cooper Thorson; Jane David; and Hadley and Steele Castleman. She is also survived by her sister, Barbara and husband, Butch Northcott; several special nieces and nephews; dear cousins; and many friends.

Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, George “Tex” Nolan, and her parents, Dexter “Deck” and Helen McDowell.

Pat lived a life filled with faith, family, friendship, laughter, and a love of sports. She never missed an opportunity to cheer for the people she loved, and the love and encouragement she gave so freely will continue to live on in the many lives she touched.