Wendell Duane Ridgway

Wendell Duane Ridgway, 82, of Amarillo, Texas went to be with our Lord and Savior on October 31,2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Wendell was born in Pampa, Texas January 20, 1942 to William “Bill” and Edna Ridgway. Wendell graduated from Pampa High School where he was a cheerleader, baseball player, and musician. He went on to play baseball at the University of Texas and then San Marcos. After college he then joined the Marine Corp where he served in Vietnam as a communication specialist. During his time there he received many awards including the Rifel Marksmanship Expert Badge. He also played music to entertain the troops alongside his band “The Ridgrunners”. 

After serving our country Wendell pursued his love of music and went on a tour with his band “The New Sound”. After touring he moved to Austin, Texas where he pursued a career in construction. After many years in construction, Wendell then went on to start his own business Texas Delights. He retired in 2007. 

In 1989 Wendell met the love of his life, Elnita. They were married on August 15, 1992 in Amarillo, Texas. Together they enjoyed many years of traveling, hiking, fishing, cruising, and eventually joined an RV club where they continued their love of traveling. Wendell and Elnita were a true testament to what a loving and committed marriage should be. 

Wendell is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Edna Ridgway.

Survivors include his wife, Elnita Ridgway, sons Jim Ridgway and wife LaNita, Dave Ridgway and wife Tennille, daughter Sherri Morrison, 7 grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held at Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home on Tuesday, November 5 at 3:00 pm.

Remembrances can be made through contributions to Ussery Roan Texas State Veterans Home or Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) in honor of veterans affected by agent orange.