Gus Armen Wulfman

Gus Armen Wulfman passed away peacefully on March 18, 2025, in Amarillo, Texas. Gus was born on November 3, 1932, in Lubbock, Texas, and lived a life characterized by faith, dedication, and a profound commitment to others.

Gus graduated from Dumas High School in 1950, and was a Boy Scout, where he was awarded Life Scout and was one badge short of Eagle Scout, because Dumas didn't have a swimming pool to perform life saving techniques. Gus then enrolled at Texas A&M, where he was Commander of Ross Volunteers and Captain of the 4th Squadron. He was captain of the fencing team and won 1st place of the National Fencing Tournament. Gus enlisted in the US Air Force in1954 and after getting his “wings”, he was assigned to Walker Air Force Base in Roswell, New Mexico, as a pilot of a B-36. Gus learned to snow ski while he was based there and fell in love with the sport. His flight crew also completed a 90-day tour at the Guam Air Force Base on Guam Island. After being honorably discharged in 1957, Gus transitioned to civilian life working at Shamrock Oil and Gas, where he oversaw the opening of the Shamrock Salt Lake City Field Office. While in Utah, Gus continued to ski and spent every weekend hitting the slopes at Alta Ski Resort. Gus had acquired a small plane and started the “Flying Ski Travel” business, where he would fly his friends on ski trips and to football games to earn extra cash. Through Gus' involvement with Polk Street Methodist Church and group ski trips, Gus met the love of his life, Jo Strickland, who he married in September of 1962. Gus began his banking career as Vice President at Amarillo National Bank in 1963. Gus passed on his love for skiing to his family, and continued to ski until his 70's. One of his proudest moments was winning the Texas Ski Cup in 1966. He was also an avid water skier and would take his family and friends to his parents’ cabin at Lake Tanglewood frequently, where many lasting memories were created. In 1972, Gus started a new position as Executive Vice President of Marketing at the American Bank in Austin. Gus returned to Amarillo in 1981 to become President of Tascosa National Bank in Amarillo. In 1987, he joined the RTC and worked in various locations restructuring savings and loan management and liquidating bad loans. He eventually moved to the FDIC office in California, to liquidate loans from failing banks until his retirement in 1997. Gus was unable to settle for full retirement and returned to his landman roots by joining William P. Harris Oil and Gas Properties as a landman and lease negotiator until 2012.

Gus also served in the community with various groups including President of the Coffee Memorial Blood Bank, Amarillo Kiwanis Club, Amarillo Cancer Society, Samaritan Counseling Center, Amarillo Ski Club, and the Amarillo Country Club.

Known for his infectious smile and principled nature, Gus leaves behind a legacy of kindness and support. He always had a smile on his face and was very interested in the life of others. His willingness to help others, especially in financial matters, proved instrumental to many, cementing his reputation as a compassionate and understanding leader. Many of his banking clients fondly remember Gus taking a risk and granting them their first loan, when no one else would do so. The profound impact of his life’s work, integrity, and community service will continue to inspire those who had the fortune to know him.

Preceded in death by his parents, Boysie and Texanna Wulfman, Gus is survived by his wife, Jo Wulfman, daughter Melissa Champlin, her husband John Champlin, son Bo Wulfman and his wife Bonnie Wulfman. He also leaves behind three wonderful grandchildren, Jay Rice Champlin, Anna Champlin Ivie, husband Peyton Ivie and Ella May Wulfman.

Services to honor Gus’s remarkable life will be held at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, at 2:00 pm, Thursday, April 10, 2025 located at 2800 Paramount Blvd. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.

And special thanks to those who supported Gus during his final days, including: BSA Hospice of the Southwest, Arianna, Dawn, Tania, Gemma, Faith and VA caregivers from Cornerstone.