Michael James Ledford

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Michael James Ledford, 68, of Amarillo, formerly of Pampa, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, December 28, 2021, in Amarillo after a short battle with Covid.  He was born the oldest of six children on October 17, 1953, in Lawton, Oklahoma to Arby and Lee Etta Ledford.

Mike had attended school in both Skellytown as well as White Deer and at the age of 17, decided to join the United States Army as to which he retired in 1992 as an E6 Army Staff Sargent.  During his tenure, he had travelled to Turkey (two tours), Germany, Afghanistan and had fought in Dessert Storm. While serving his country and fighting in war, he was awarded such medals and ribbons as Meritorious Service Meal, Army Commendation Medal W/5 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Achievement Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, 6 Good Conduct Medals, Humanitarian Service Medal, NCO Professional Development Ribbon Numeral 2, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon Numeral 5, Driver and Mechanic Badge, Expert Badge Rifle, National Defense Service Medal w/1 Service Star. Following his retirement from the Army, he followed in his dad’s footsteps and joined the Pampa Concrete crew and worked there until his retirement at the age of 63 due to health-related issues.

Mike approached every avenue of his life with a sense of duty and dedication. His love of his family was absolute and while he was the family cut-up and the great tormentor of his sisters, that was his job and nobody else was allowed to harass or bother them or fear his wrath. That same treatment was extended to his nieces and nephews over the years.  The siblings were all so close, they were even baptized together in the 1970’s at the Community Church in Skellytown.  When Mike began his own family with his wife Christine and son Levi, he wanted to make sure Levi had his attention, even letting his young son accompany him to work on Saturday’s so he could see what Dad did.  To say Mike was generous was an understatement, he shared his time with all who knew him, would give his last dollar or the shirt off his back to help someone in need, according to his family this happened more than once.  Sunday football will not be the same without Mike rooting for his Cowboys and we know that another John Wayne fan has joined him in the final scene as the cowboy rides away.

Greeting him into Heaven were his beloved parents; two sisters, Karen Williams, Patty Smith and brother-in-law, Randy Ruth.

Mike’s loved ones that remain to treasure and value his love and memories are his wife, Christine Ledford of Amarillo; son, Levi Ledford of Amarillo; brother, Wendell Ledford of Arkansas; two sisters, Brenda Madden and spouse Bruce of Pampa, Marcy Ruth of Skellytown; two brothers-in-law, Walt Williams of Pampa, Gearry Smith of White Deer; lots and lots of nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly; the “Mother Hen” of Pampa Concrete employees, Ms. Novis of Pampa; two very special friends and Mike’s Pampa Concrete coworkers, Eddie Kendell and Craig Snell both of Pampa (whom the family extends many thanks and much gratitude for sticking by them and for all the help during Mike’s disability transition) and last, but most definitely not least, Ada Westbrook and her late husband, Clifton who so selflessly took on more of a momma role than merely a cousin to us.

Those wishing to pay respects to Mike may do so from 3pm until 8pm Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Winegeart Funeral Home, 303 North Frost Street, Pampa.

Celebration of Life Graveside Services are scheduled for 11:00 am, Friday, December 31, 2021, at Memory Gardens Cemetery Mausoleum with Brother Jim Sinyard officiating and Military Honors being presented. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home. Family respectfully asks that masks be worn if attending services.

Should donations be a preference, the family suggests they be made to the Texas Wounded Warrior. P.O. Box 130727, Tyler, Texas, 75713 in honor of Mike.

To leave words of love, comfort, and condolences for the family on Michael’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral