Sam Odell Widener

Sammie “Sam” Odell Widener, 89, of Amarillo, passed peacefully with his beloved wife, Shirley “Yvonne” Widener at his side on March 22, 2026.

The family invite you to help celebrate Sam’s life on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Washington Ave Christian Church, 3800 S. Washington St, with Pastors Lennie McCay and Jon Kohler officiating.

Sam was born on July 25, 1936, in Putnam, Oklahoma to Sam and Fern Widener. He was a talented young man who had a gift for sports and the cowboy lifestyle. Sam played basketball and baseball, the latter earning him an opportunity to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals. He came from a large family and although his siblings would later move all over the country, they remained in constant contact and would visit each other as often as they could.

From an early age until he retired, he worked in all aspects of the grocery business, starting as a stocker and rising to management. It was always his dream to own his own business. In 1985, he was fortunate enough to make that dream a reality with the opening of his first Sam’s Quik Way convenience store. He would go on to open additional stores before retiring in 2001. When not at work, Sam and Yvonne enjoyed time at their farm in Oklahoma where they raised cattle and entertained family.

Sam married the love of his life, Shirley “Yvonne” Didier, on March 6, 1954, in Oklahoma. They built their home on the values of faith and family. Together they had two daughters, five grandchildren, and sixteen great-grandchildren and were devoted members of Washington Avenue Christian Church.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Fern, his brother, Wendell, and his precious daughter, Ronda Thompson. Those left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Yvonne Widener, with whom he just celebrated 72 years of marriage, his daughter, Tara Wilson and husband Ben, and his prized grandchildren, Barry Wilson and wife Shelly, Macy Kohler and husband Jon, Julie Massie and husband Shaun, Marley Petrey and husband Shane, and Matthew Thompson and wife Andrea; as well as his 16 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Washington Avenue Christian Church in honor of Sam Widener.