Billy Wayne Flenniken

B.W. “Red” Flenniken, 95, of Abilene, Texas, passed away April 30, 2026.

A graveside service will be held Wednesday, May 6, at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 6801 E. Highway 80, Odessa, Texas.

Red was born February 28, 1931, in Lamesa, Texas, to Edith Irene “NeeNee” Flenniken and Merrill Flenniken. He was raised on his family’s cotton farm, where he learned the value of hard work at an early age. He attended school in Klondike, Texas, and graduated in 1950.

Following graduation, Red enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was selected for training as a radioman during the Korean War. However, due to poor vision, he was honorably discharged before completing his training.

On May 24, 1952, he married the love of his life, Clydene “Cly” Schneider, in Portales, New Mexico. Together they built a life rooted in love and family, raising two daughters, Jeanie Graves (Tad) and Cindy Terhune (Don). He was a proud grandfather to Jerod Strickland (Amanda), Dustin Balog (Maegan), Emily Tolbert (Ricky), James Terhune (Whitney), Dallas Graves (Laura), and Erin Wilkerson (Darren), as well as 23 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

Red and Cly made their home in Odessa, Texas, where he dedicated many years to Western Uniform & Towel Service. Beginning as a route man, he worked his way up to General Manager, retiring in 1999. During these years, he was a 32° Scottish Rite Mason, a Shriner, and a longtime member of H.A. McFarland Masonic Lodge.

Red was a devoted family man who loved God and country. He was known for writing heartfelt poems to his beloved “Sparkle” and to his daughters. He had a deep love for music and could often be found with a tune playing while he tinkered in his shop, always building or fixing something. He took pride in his appearance—pressed shirts, starched jeans, boots, and belt buckle—always a sharp-dressed man. His interests were many and included cars, firearms, knives, traveling, and collecting.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Beulah; his sister, Doris Biggerstaff (Joe Bob); his brothers, Ronny and Dale; his sisters-in-law, Dorothy Saavedra, Pat Gazaille, and Shirley Pokorny (John).

Red is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Clydene “Cly” Flenniken; his daughters; his sister-in-law, Marjorie Cooper; his sister-in-law, Deni Coon; and his brother-in-law, Ed Gazaille.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Lyndale Abilene, Mesa Springs Nursing Home, and BeeHive Homes of Abilene for the care and kindness shown to Red. Special thanks also to Kinder Hearts Hospice and Gentiva Hospice of Abilene for their compassion and support during his final months.

Arrangements are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

Red’s favorite hymn, “Amazing Grace,” will forever be a reminder of his faith and the legacy of love he leaves behind.