John Wayne "Duke" Judkins

John Wayne “Duke” Judkins, 50, of Amarillo, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. Celebration of Life Services will be 2:00 PM Friday, January 30, 2026 at Life Church, 8600 Canyon Drive.

Duke was born August 23, 1975 in Amarillo, Texas to Wayne and Pat Judkins. He graduated from Tascosa High School in 1993. Duke made his career in the field of heavy industrial equipment, working for Medley for 15 years, and then Asco for the last five years. He was a very hard worker and was very dedicated to his job.

Duke spent the last 11 years in a devoted relationship with his love, Julie Hampton. They are members of Life Church. Duke was a family man through and through. He was an amazing Dad to his two sons, Chance and Cameron, and was so proud of all their accomplishments. He adored his two beautiful daughters-in-law, Chaise and Satin as well. His favorite role in life was being “Papa Duke” to Beckham and Harlow.

Duke was an avid fly-fisherman and was at his happiest while spending time in the mountains with the family, fishing and sitting by the fire drinking a cup of coffee. His favorite place to fish was Cuchara, Colorado. Duke was highly intelligent and equally stubborn. He was full of wisdom and a jokester. Once he met someone, he didn’t forget them. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and coworkers.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Ralph Wayne Judkins, Jr.; and a grandson, Ryder Judkins.

Survivors include his longtime partner, Julie Hampton of Amarillo; two sons, Chance Judkins and wife Chaise, and Cameron Judkins and fiancé Satin Rickerd all of Amarillo; two bonus kids, Baylee Hampton and fiancé John Hall of Peoria, AZ, and Nate Hampton of Austin, TX; his bonus mother, Delores Judkins of Piedmont, OK; a sister, Cindy Baldridge and husband John of Blue Ridge, TX; a brother, Skeeter McEwen and wife Sherry of Amarillo; two grandchildren, Beckham Judkins and Harlow Hall; and six nephews and their families.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to The American Cancer Society, at www.cancer.org; Life Church Amarillo, at www.life.church/amarillo/.