Wendell Leo Holland

Wendell Leo Holland, 85, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 17, 2026.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd., with Tim Sperduto, Senior Pastor of Trinity Baptist Church, officiating.

Wendell was born on December 23, 1940, in Amarillo, Texas, to Leo Arvil and Ida Claris Holland. At the age of four, his family moved to Sunray, where he was raised and later graduated from Sunray High School in 1959. He went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Air Force. Following his military service, Wendell returned home and began a long and dedicated career with Southwestern Public Service, where he worked as a Maintenance Foreman until his retirement.

On May 4, 1984, he married the love of his life, LaJuana Kay Todd. Together, they built a life centered on family, faith, and perseverance, creating a home filled with years of shared experiences and countless memories.

Wendell was known for his strong work ethic and mechanical abilities. He believed in doing a job well and was always willing to take on a project. He valued hard work and self-reliance, often showing care for others through the things he could fix or build. In his free time, he enjoyed working with his hands, refereeing high school basketball, and playing golf—a pastime he truly loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Ida Claris Holland; his sisters, Joveta Cooper and her husband Leon, and Shirley Gunn and her husband Norris; and his brother-in-law, Will Thompson.

Wendell is survived by his devoted wife, LaJuana Holland, of Amarillo. Immediate family includes his children, Vonda (Doug) Curlee and Rhonda Collier; and his stepchildren, Kristi (Chuck) Vagrosky and Grady (Britthaney) Enos. Grandchildren include Cody Curlee, Caleb Curlee, Caitlyn (Will) Bates, Caden Curlee, Cameron Collier (Emily), Alex Collier, Hunter Vagrosky (Katie), Chaz Vagrosky, Palmer Enos, and Parker Enos. He is also survived by seven great-grandchildren. Siblings include Donna (Goldie) Washburn, Sue Thompson, and Sharon Dugan (Ron), along with extended family and many friends who will remember him with love and gratitude. His family finds comfort in the memories they shared and in the legacy of dedication, resilience, and commitment he leaves behind.

The family extends heartfelt appreciation to the doctors, nurses, and caregivers who compassionately cared for Wendell during his final days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Missions, 1601 W I-40, Amarillo, TX 79109.

Though he will be deeply missed, those who knew and loved Wendell are thankful for the years they shared with him and find hope in the promise of eternal life.