Allard "A.J." Wendel

On January 27, 2022 our Papa rejoined his lifelong love and companion, Audrey, passing away peacefully with his family by his side.

Allard (A.J.) Wendel was born in Slaton, Texas to Leo and Ida Wendel on June 7, 1934.  He married our wonderful mother, Audrey on Feb. 3, 1953 in Slaton. Together they welcomed and provided a loving home for four children. Our dad was a devoted father and husband, working hard and sacrificing always to provide for us. We moved to Amarillo in 1972.

Dad began working for Santa Fe Railway when he was 18, and retired in 1989 to enjoy time with our mom, traveling in their RV and square dancing throughout North America.

Dad was a quiet, gentle and kind soul, who adored children, enjoying playing with and teasing his grandchildren, and was often found rolling around with them on the floor. He was the master at calming a fussy baby. An unassuming man, Dad would quietly listen during family gatherings and when he spoke everyone listened, because whatever he said would be worthwhile and frequently hilarious.

Our clever, industrious Dad worked hard his whole life and was famous for being able to fix almost anything, sometimes in surprising ways.

Always our guardian, Dad was there to help and rescue us from the scrapes we would get into. He was the dependable rock of our lives, adapting to whatever life brought with grace.  He was accepting, modest and incredibly honest. He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed by all who were blessed to know him.

In his later life, Dad was an attentive and loving companion to our mother in her declining years. Our Papa will be sorely missed by his children, Greg (Tammy) Wendel, Kim Stucki, Lisa (Steve) Washburn, and Jana Thornton; nine grandchildren, Erich Wendel, Zach Wendel, Jana Saba, Dan Stucki, Lara Bastos, Rob Russell, Teresa Russell, Kelly Thornton, and Phillip Thornton, and eight great-grandchildren, and his beloved dog Donley.