Obituaries

Mark Duane Davis (70)

Mark Duane Davis (70) - On November 1, the Dodgers won the World Series. On November 2, their biggest fan, Mark Duane Davis, passed away at age 70 after a courageous 17-year battle with cancer. If your jaw drops reading that, you’re not alone — it’s almost as if he waited for that final win before taking his well-earned rest.

Born on February 22, 1955, in Palmdale, California, to Jimmy and Lois Davis, Mark grew up in Madera, where he quickly made a name for himself as a talented athlete, especially on the baseball field. At 13, a serious motorcycle accident left him in a body cast for six months, but true to form, he fought back. Although a later injury ended his own playing days, it opened the door to a lifelong passion for coaching. Mark went on to guide and mentor countless young players, including his sons, Keith, for 3 years; his 1992 Little League All-Star team; and his youngest son, Anthony, from Little League through high school graduation in 2018.

Long Time Editor of Chowchilla News Passes: Patricia "Patty" Mandrell, 78

CHOWCHILLA - Patricia "Patty" Annette Mandrell, 78, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, in Merced, CA, while surrounded by her family, to be with her Lord and Savior.

Patty was born on January 26, 1947, in Madera, CA, to William and Ruby Walker. Her family soon welcomed a little sister named Beverly. She grew up in the Dos Palos/Oro Loma area, helping out in her family's grocery stores. She stood on a box so she would be tall enough to work the register.

Ralph Paolinelli (79)

Ralph Paolinelli (79), of Fresno, California, was born on May 14, 1946, in Wuppertal, Germany, and passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025, in Fresno, California, with his wife Nora by his side.

Ralph was a devoted husband and father to his wife, Nora Paolinelli, for fifty-nine years, and a loving father to Ralph and Eric. He leaves behind his five grandchildren, Gianna, Ryan, Talia, Matthew, and Jacob. His brother Kirk and his wife Karen, sister Monika and her husband John, his daughters-in-law Janelle and Debbie, along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Frank Russell "Doc" Dockery (81)

Frank Russell "Doc" Dockery (81) of Madera, California, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 9, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife, Rosemary, and daughter, Cara. Born on December 30, 1943, in Antioch, California, to the late Benjamin Frank and Edith Grace Dockery, Russell lived a life marked by dedication, courage, and community.

A proud graduate of Madera High School in 1962, Russell married Rosemary Turri, on October 22, 1966. In 1967, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served honorably in Vietnam, earning three Purple Hearts for wounds sustained in combat. Returning home, Russell built a distinguished 45-year career in the farm equipment industry, serving Central Valley growers with integrity, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Michael Wayne King (70)

Michael Wayne King (70) With deep sorrow and grateful remembrance, we announce the passing of Michael “Mike” Wayne King, who departed this earthly life at the age of 70 on August 7, 2025, in Fresno, California. A beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend, Mike left behind a legacy of love, craftsmanship, music, and unwavering devotion to those he cherished.

Mike was born on November 25, 1954—Thanksgiving Day—at Dearborn Hospital in Madera, California, to Charles and Anna Lou King. Raised on the family dairy ranch in the Dixieland community, Mike’s life was rooted in the importance of hard work and family values that guided every chapter of his journey. In 1972, Mike graduated from Madera High School, where he was a member of the marching band and FFA. Following graduation, Mike studied business at Fresno City College and Fresno State.