Cody Martin Schenkel

Cody Martin Schenkel was healed and made the transition to his heavenly home on Aug 1, 2025 after a lengthy illness. Cody was born to Terry and Nancy Weatherford Schenkel on July 6, 1977, in Sonora, Texas. He grew up in Juno where he attended a one room schoolhouse during his elementary years. Later, he attended Sonora schools and graduated in 1995. He worked as a welder and later became a ranch manager, but his true calling was as a bit and spur maker. Trained under Wilson Capron, he had a growing clientele and made a name for himself before he was no longer able to be in his shop. He also built branded jewelry, and his family and friends will always treasure the pieces he made for them.

Cody rode horses throughout his life and grew up ranching. He was a member of the Texas High School Rodeo Association, Region II. He was recruited after high school to rodeo for Jim Watkins at Odessa College. He also competed in pro and amateur rodeos throughout Texas and the surrounding states. Cody was a talented horse trainer, with some of his calf horses still rodeoing today. Cody and Jamie were members of the Texas Senior Pro Rodeo Association and have many special friends they will always remember from the TSPRA. Calf roping and rodeo were to be his passion throughout his life. Cody was a simple, good-hearted cowboy who lived life with honesty, humor and humility.

In 2017, Cody reconnected with a fellow THSRA member, Jamie Dyane Greer. After a brief romance, they were married in December of that year. Cody and Jamie spent several years raising the kids, rodeoing, and enjoying their shared interest in all things related to horses and ranching. They welcomed Gusanne Pearl Schenkel to the family in August of 2018, to join big brother Bronson Wayne Schenkel, who is much adored by his little sister. Cody was a wonderful, very present dad and husband. He considered fatherhood a gift and not a duty. He was patient and kind and Bronson and Gusanne were his whole world. He passed his love for horses to Gusanne, who is a champion for all animals from chickens to cats, dogs to goats and her much loved horses. Gusanne is the funniest girl ever and never failed to coax a laugh and smile out of her dad. She was a daddy’s girl in every sense of the word and was always in his lap, in his arms, in the ranger or in his truck.

Bronson also never left his dad’s side growing up and probably knew how to fix a water gap by age two. They left early to feed cattle and do ranch chores, and he was his dad’s shadow from breakfast to bedtime. If there was baseball practice or a game involved, Cody was there. Cody also set Bronson on the path to engraving jewelry and knives. They spent many hours in the shop as he learned the tricks of the trade. Bronson is a natural just like his dad. He would be very proud of the artisan Bronson is evolving into.

Cody and Jamie moved to Robert Lee and built their forever home on the Spur G Ranch in 2023. God placed them where they needed to be to have the help they would soon need, and where they hoped to raise their family and retire someday.

Cody was a friend to all who knew him. He was a gentle soul who was slow to anger and had quiet strength. If asked if he needed anything, he simply replied, “Just take care of my family.” He and Jamie fought long and hard to find a diagnosis and treatment for him. She was by his side and fierce in the search. He was an inspiration to all who kept up with his story. He loved the encouraging visits from his Pecan Baptist Church family and all the friends from all parts of Texas who made the drive to come see him over the last two years. Matt Killough of First Baptist Church of Sonora, Marty Akins of First Baptist Church of Ballinger, and his home pastor, Pistol Hood of Pecan Baptist Church, were dedicated in visiting and never failed to lift his spirits. The family thanks you all for your love and prayers during this journey.

Cody is survived by his wife, Jamie Dyane Schenkel, and his daughter, Gusanne Pearl Schenkel, of Robert Lee, Texas and his son, Bronson Wayne Schenkel of Uvalde, Texas. His mother, Nancy Weatherford Schenkel of Odessa, Texas, his father and stepmother, Terry and Elizabeth Schenkel of Sonora, Texas, his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Megan Schenkel of Sonora, Texas, and niece, Rain. His father and mother-in-law, Roy and Judy Greer of Robert Lee Texas, Brother and sister-in-law, Jared and Becca Greer of Andrews, Texas, nieces and nephew, Nevaeh Hughes, Charlie Hughes and Case Greer, Brother and sister-in-law, Blace and Jacy Pasqua of San Angelo, Tx and nephew and niece, Eli Paul and Emma Kay Pasqua. All of whom will miss him endlessly and forever.

If moved, you may donate in Cody’s name to their favorite horse rescue, Thomas Foundation Second Chance Rescue, a nonprofit owned by their dear friend Kim Thomas. Cody and Jamie adopted three horses, including the last two Cody broke and trained. Molly, (who loved Cody as only a faithful horse can do) and Maggie. These good horses, along with Cody’s beloved Grey, will remain on the ranch as constant reminders of everything Cody.

A memorial service for Cody Schenkel will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Pecan Baptist Church in Robert Lee, Texas.

Someday we know our tears will be replaced with smiles of remembrance and we will rely on the comfort of our Savior until that day. Rest easy Cody, we always will take care of your family.