Warren Gene Strecker

Warren Gene Strecker, 95, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on October 20, 2026.

Gene will be available for viewing from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Saturday, October 24, 2026 and 12-5:00 PM, Sunday, October 25, 2026. Memorial services will be at 10:30 A.M., Wednesday, October 28, 2026, in the Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel with Dr. Jim Smith officiating. Private burial will be at Llano Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Gene was born in the family home on May 2, 1931, in Russell, Kansas, the second of three children of Alex and Ida (Haberer) Strecker. He graduated from Russell High School in 1949 and attended Kansas State College (Kansas State University) for one year before working in the oil fields on pulling units and drilling rigs. With the Korean War in progress, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1951. He served 18 months in French Morocco in North Africa and was later assigned to Reese Air Force Base in Lubbock, Texas until his honorable discharge from the Air Force. Gene met Margie Willoughby in Lubbock and married at the First Methodist Church in Clovis, New Mexico, on August 27, 1955. In 1966, Margie and Gene moved to Amarillo, Texas where they raised their two daughters, Sheral and Laurie. Gene worked for 35 years throughout the Southwest for Burroughs Corporation. Gene was a charter member of St. Stephens Methodist Church for 60 years.

Gene and Margie shared 70 wonderful years of marriage. Throughout their marriage they enjoyed visiting relatives in Colorado, Kansas, and Oklahoma; dancing a good Polka or Waltz; and raising their two daughters. Gene was a selfless husband, father and “Papa”, and devoted himself to caring for Margie during her final years and until her death in 2025. Gene was deeply involved in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren — present for them, proud of them, and happiest when he was spending time with family. He made sure to instill his quick wit, love, and values on them as well as the importance of dedication and hard work.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Margie; daughter, Sheral Strecker; mother and father, Ida (Haberer) and Alex Strecker; sister, Angie (Strecker) Pickard Kirby, and brother, Gary Strecker. Survivors include daughter Laurie (Strecker) O’Neal and husband Danny of Amarillo; grandson Richard O’Neal, wife McKinnon, and three great-grandsons of Albuquerque, NM; granddaughter Allison (O’Neal) Stallings, husband Brady, and great-granddaughter of Colleyville, TX.

The family, also wishes to thank the VA and many caregivers that helped Gene, especially Jamie McClain. Donations can be made to the VA Hospital or Gracie's Project.