Sep 4, 2026 |
Richard Lee Johnson Jr., 68, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on July 1, 2026, surrounded by the memories and love of those whose lives he touched.
Richard was born on April 21, 1957, to Richard Johnson Sr. and Mary J. Lloyd. Because of his family’s connection to the United States Air Force, Richard moved frequently during his childhood and grew up in various places. He spent most of his high school years in Spain before graduating from Monzano High School in Albuquerque, New Mexico. These experiences helped shape the person he became and gave him a unique perspective on life.
Richard made Amarillo, Texas, his home and worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to helping others and served as both a Special Olympics coach and a job coach for people with special needs, sharing his encouragement, patience, and support with the families he served.
Richard was a devoted sports fan who proudly cheered for the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Lakers. He will be remembered for the people and passions he loved and for the memories he made with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Johnson Sr.; mother, Mary J. Lloyd; and sister, Ramonica Pierce.
Richard is survived by his brother, Michael Johnson; sister, Malinda Wilson; nephews, Michael Wilson and Braxton Pierce, and niece, Callie Pierce.
Richard will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Celebration of Life with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral Home, 3707 Wolflin Ave., Amarillo, Texas.
Sep 4, 2026 |
Our precious little angel, Abrianna Grace Anaya, beloved baby daughter of Cristal and Johnny Anaya, went to be with our Lord on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
Abrianna was with us for a short time but deeply impacted our hearts. She brought us so much joy and happiness in the six days she was here. Although her time with us on earth was short, we know she has gained her angel wings and is now watching over us from heaven. We will do everything in our power to make her proud of us until we see each other again. Princess, we love you always and forever, Abrianna Grace Anaya.
Abrianna was preceded in death by her grandparents, David Vasquez, Jose Martinez, Leopoldo Medrano, and Evangelina Chacon; and her sister, Brisa Marie.
She is survived by her mother, Cristal Vasquez; her father, Johnny Anaya; sisters, Azul Vasquez and Amelia Vasquez; brothers, Christian Vasquez, Ethan Anaya, and Oscar Anaya; grandparents, Elsa Anaya, Oscar Anaya, Maria Vasquez, and Fernando Vasquez; and other aunts and uncles.
Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 2300 North Spring Street, Amarillo, Texas, 79107.
Sep 4, 2026 |
Christine Marie Ortega, 64, of Amarillo, passed away on September 1, 2026. She was born in La Junta, Colorado, on April 28, 1962, to Rujelio and Petra “Betty” (Ramirez) Torrez.
Christine was a loving, caring, and compassionate person. She had a big heart and a wonderful laugh. Her conversations brought joy to everyone she spoke with. Christine enjoyed coloring, painting, and Chihuahua puppies.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Rujelio and Betty Torrez; and her brothers, Andrew, Johnny, Raymond, and Chris Torrez.
Christine is survived by her husband of 31 years, John Ortega; her children, Natasha, Ruben, Paul, and Sammie Rodriguez, of Amarillo, and nine grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Tomas, Teddy, and Andrea Torrez, Rita Frazier, all of La Junta, Colorado, and Ramona Torrez of Oklahoma.
The family will receive visitors on Friday, September 4, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral Home, 3707 Wolflin Ave. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 5, at the same location.
Sep 4, 2026 |
Edward Lee Brooks, 60, of McLean, passed away on August 31, 2026. A native of McLean, he was born on October 24, 1965, to Edgar Earl and Mildred LaVerne (Dykes) Brooks.
He married Heather Diane (Brewer) Brooks on September 8, 1990. They were members of Heald Methodist Church. By trade, Edward was an auctioneer and a welder/fabricator.
Ed had a sense of humor like no other. He always had a joke, a one-liner, or a funny observation. He wrote a book (unpublished) while traveling for auctions. He loved to tell stories, never missing even the tiniest detail.
He always made whoever he was talking to feel like the most important person in the world. He loved people. Edward often said, “Be the kind of friend that a friend would like to have.”
Ed co-owned an oil-and-gas manufacturing company for several years. He could build anything, but his true passion was the auction business. He worked full-time in the auction business for nearly 26 years.
There was no doubt that he loved his wife and daughter more than anything in the world. He sacrificed so much to ensure they had everything they ever wanted or needed.
He loved to hunt, fish, and play poker. Ed played guitar, drums, and banjo. He enjoyed singing and spinning his wife around the dance floor…rumor has it that’s why she married him.
He was often told that he was the hardest-working man they had ever seen. He always did things the right way, not the easy way.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Earl and Laverne Brooks; his brother, Dennis Brooks; his sister, Cindy Brooks; his parents-in-law, Leon and Rosalie Brewer; a nephew, Keny Wilson; and Edward’s maternal and paternal grandparents
Left to cherish his memory are his beloved bride of 36 years, Heather Diane Brooks of the home; his daughter Laura (Brooks) Lee and husband Garrett of Amarillo; brothers-in-law, Joe Walton, Billy Wilson and Jeff Brewer; sisters-in-law, Letha Brooks, and Joy (Brewer) Wilson, and husband Billy; nieces, Angie Wilson and Catrina (Mark) Kidd; nephews, Chris (Amy) Brooks, Cody (Kacie) Brooks, Billy Wilson (Joy), and Keny Wilson; great nieces and nephews Cole (Saber) Wilson, Clay (Ashlyn) Wilson, Alex (Gracie) Wilson, Trevor Brooks, Trentin Brooks, Tayler Brooks, Rendyn Brooks, Colton Kidd, Stockton Kidd, Joslyn Kidd, David Gipson, BJ Louis, Garrett Louis, Kenleigh Louis, and great-great nephew and niece, Hayes Wilson, and Leddy Wilson. He is also survived by his bonus family, Ricky, Kezi, Hallie, Huxley and Halston, and lots of cousins, friends and cohorts.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Methodist Church, at 219 Gray Street in McLean, Texas. Then we’ll go out to our place after the service to visit and hang out. Bring a shotgun. We’ll throw some clay birds. It was one of Ed’s favorite things to do.
Sep 1, 2026 |
With heavy hearts, we announce that Robert Allen Heredia, better known to family and friends as “Ace,” gained his wings on August 29, 2026. Born on November 25, 1959, in Amarillo, Texas, Robert lived a life filled with love, laughter, and devotion to his family and friends.
Known for his warm spirit and unforgettable personality, Robert had a way of making those around him feel welcome and valued. He enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and created lasting memories with everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Robert was an avid golfer who found immense joy on the golf course, where he enjoyed both the game and the friendships it brought into his life. He was also a loyal Texas Longhorns fan who proudly cheered on his beloved team through every season.
He was preceded in death by a son, Joseph “Kidd” Heredia.
Above all, Robert cherished his family. He is survived by his children, Regina (Bobby), Jordan, Johnathan, and Colton; grandchildren, Dayton (Colleen), Savannah, Shelbiegh (Josh), Bobbie, Andre, Davian (fiancée Ava,) Hudson and Easton; and great-grandchildren, Elliott, Owen, Joziah, Alina, Josh, Jr., and Davian, Jr.
Though Robert has gained his wings, the love, wisdom, and memories he shared will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. His legacy is one of kindness, laughter, loyalty, and devotion to family. He leaves behind a lifetime of cherished moments that will be remembered for generations to come.
Robert will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten by his family, friends, and all whose lives were blessed by his presence.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
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