Former wrestler and beloved dentist, father, and grandfather, Dr. Vencen Wayne McEntire, passed away peacefully on his 77th birthday on September 24, 2025.
Reportedly, he was on one of his many adventures around the world when he took his last breath.
Dr. Vencen Wayne McEntire was survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Patricia Jean Thompson, affectionately known as Pam, and their daughter, Jennifer, and son-in-law, Brian Barker.
He walked down the aisle with his high school sweetheart, Pam, on January 24, 1969, and lived a sound married life until his passing.
Wayne was a proud grandfather to his beloved grandsons Barrett Barker and his wife Chloe, Britton Barker, and Beau Barker.
His greatest happiness came from his family, especially his daughter, Jennifer, and her husband, Brian Barker.
The former wrestler cherished every moment of Jennifer’s life and was a proud and loving father.
Likewise, he was a proud grandfather to his three beloved grandsons, who were the light of his life.
Wayne loved taking them on special trips, including to the Olympics. He was always there to teach, encourage, and inspire them to live to the fullest.
Likewise, he also leaves behind his brother, Dennis Falk, his sister, Darlene McBee, and his special Aunt, Laverne Brown.
Whereas Wayne was preceded in death by his sister, Cindy Risley.
Dr. Vencen Wayne McEntire was born on September 24, 1948, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Vencen Wayne and Kathleen McEntire.
Growing up in Amarillo, Texas, Wayne graduated from Amarillo High School in 1967. During his time at the high school, he took pride in being the captain of the wrestling team.
Heath Dodgen, a person who knew him since his high school days, wrote on his passing:
Oh man, I sure loved this guy! He was in such great shape always. The only guy to beat Coach Johnny Cobb in high school wrestling. He was at all the major wrestling events.
Heath Dodgen
Wayne also served in the United States Marine Corps for six years. After his service, he earned a degree from West Texas State University in 1973.
Later, he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1976.
That same year, he opened his dental practice in Amarillo. He had been serving his patients with utmost care for nearly half a century.
He held key roles in the Academy of General Dentistry and the Texas Dental Association, where he was twice nominated for Texas Dentist of the Year.
Wayne was recognized for his dedication to his patients and profession, for which he has been honored as a “Super Dentist” every year since 2013.
Penni Fogerson Bentley, one of his patients, shared a post writing an eulogy, which reads:
This man was not only an amazing dentist, but a wonderfully kind, caring and funny man. He was my dentist for probably close to 30 years since I’ve been at the Chamber. He cared about your teeth, but he really cared about your life.
Penni Fogerson Bentley
Besides his dental work, Wayne was a leader in his community. He served as president of the Potter–Randall County Dental Society, the American Cancer Society Amarillo Unit, and the Maverick Boys and Girls Club.
Wayne had a passion for photography and loved capturing both big and small moments.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Hillside Christian Church Chapel, located at 6100 Soncy, and arranged by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors.
During this difficult time, we pray for the strength of his wife, daughter, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Dr. Vencen Wayne McEntire!
