Juan Fidel Samaniego Reyes

Juan Fidel Samaniego Reyes, a man whose laughter and love for life were as rich and enduring as his 55-year marriage to his sweetheart, Margarita, passed away peacefully on March 17, 2024, in Amarillo, Texas, just shy of his 74th birthday. Born to the warm embrace of Fort Morgan, Colorado, on March 23, 1950, Juan was the kind of man who stitched joy into the fabric of everyday life.

Juan was a loving father to a bustling household. He and Margarita were blessed with a legacy of nine children: Amalia, Christina, Veronica, Lionarda, Norma, Esmeralda, Fidencio, Juan Luise, and Christopher Rene’. Each child, along with their spouses—Joe, John, Luis, Rafael, Gonzalo, Rudy, and Samantha—added a unique thread to the family tapestry. Juan's life was further enriched by the patter of little feet and the innocent laughter of grandchildren, though he was preceded in death by his dear son Juan Fidel, daughter JoAnna Minnie, granddaughter Madison Nicole, and grandson Tony Ruiz, as well as his Parents, several brothers and sisters who had set the stage for his grand entrance into this world.

A farmhand by trade, Juan's calloused hands and tanned skin bore witness to his love for the earth and the toil that nurtures it. His work was not just a means to an end but a testament to his tenacity and connection to the land. In the community, he was affectionately known as El Gato Negro, a nod to his clever wit and the nine lives he seemed to have, thanks to his stubborn streak.

Juan's interests were as varied as the patches on a well-loved quilt. A jokester to the core, he infused every gathering with his humor. His barbecues were legendary, where he'd serve up sizzling jokes alongside the best-grilled delights, all while cheering on his beloved Denver Broncos. His hands, though rough from farming, were just as skilled at crafting the perfect salsa, a fiery complement to his warm personality.

The yard was his sanctuary, a place where he could cultivate beauty and order, mirroring the care he took with his family. But it wasn't all serious business for Juan. He loved to kick back with a cold beer, a cigarette, and his trusty heater by his side—his personal antidote to his chilly nature.

Juan's love for recycling wasn't just about being eco-friendly; it was a metaphor for his approach to life—taking what was old or discarded and finding value in it anew. His laughter filled the room during wrestling matches and episodes of The Price Is Right, where he'd no doubt be the best contestant, if only they knew the price of love and laughter as well as he did.

Friends and family will remember Juan as a man who was as funny as he was loving and as interesting as he was stubborn. His stories, often punctuated with a twinkle in his eye, will be recounted at family gatherings for generations to come. Juan's life was a masterclass in finding joy in the simple things—a lesson that will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

In the end, Juan Fidel Samaniego Reyes leaves behind a legacy of laughter, love, and a life richly lived. As we say goodbye to this remarkable man, we take comfort in knowing that the echoes of his jokes and the warmth of his spirit will be with us, turning our tears into chuckles and our grief into smiles.

Farewell, Juan, your final curtain call may have come, but the encore of your life will play on forever in our hearts.