Juan Antonio Polendo

Juan Antonio Polendo, 86, of Pampa, passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at home with his family by his side.

Juan will be available for viewing from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 23, 2025, with a rosary at 6:00 PM at the Carmichael-Whatley Colonial Chapel.

Mass will be 10:00 AM Friday, October 24, 2025, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church with Rev. Guadalupe Mayorga, officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Juan was born on July 17, 1939, in Nuevo Leon, Mexico, to Mariana and Antonio Polendo. The family would move to Quitaque, Texas in the early 1950s. Juan would eventually meet and marry the love of his life, Dominga Martinez Polendo, in Rosebud, Texas, on May 16, 1964, together they would have five children and move to Pampa in 1976.

While in Pampa Juan worked at the Celanese chemical plant for many years until he retired. After retiring from Celanese, Juan found a new passion for long haul truck driving and loved being able to travel all over the country for work. When Juan wasn’t working, he enjoyed listening to Tejano music, especially Freddy Fender, playing softball recreationally and was also known to be a little bit of a pool shark. He also enjoyed watching his Dallas Cowboys play, western movies, fox news, and game shows. His absolute favorite past time, however, was spending time with his family.

Juan is remembered as a consummate family man that took pride in caring for his family and prayed every day of his life. He was an extremely kind and caring man who never met a stranger and was great with kids. He had a tremendous sense of humor and always wore a smile on his face. Juan’s daughters fondly remember his wise advice, noting that he had a special saying for every situation.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 39 years; a son, Abel Polendo; a sister, Julia Leal; and a brother, Guadalupe Polendo.

Survivors include three daughters, Angie Summers and husband Joseph of Pampa, Irene Maddux of Denton, Texas, and Dolores Kidd and husband Donnie of Mcgregor, Texas; a son, John Anthony Polendo of Whitney, Texas; seven grandkids, Lauren Wilemon, Josh Summers, Logan Polendo, Trey Youngblood, Taylor Maddux, Lindsey Kidd, and Kaymen Craven and husband Cody; two brothers, Felix Polendo, and Mario Polendo; and a sister, Mary Martinez; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other extended family members.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.