It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Joseph “Joe” George Kanas, age 70, of New Braunfels, Texas, on February 18, 2024. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Mary Kanas. He is survived by his wife, Sharon Forester Kanas; son, Justin Joseph Kanas (wife Amy Kanas) of Bulverde, Texas; son, Derek Kyle Joseph Kanas (wife Taylor Kanas) of Tomball, Texas; and daughter, Brooke Nicole Kanas of Dallas, Texas. “Papa Joe” was blessed with four grandchildren: Avery, Brooks, Jackson and Peyton. He is also survived by his sister, Joanie Stoddard of Liberty, New York and brother, Jeffrey Kanas (wife Jean Kanas) of East Moriches, New York, and nephews and nieces.
Joe was born on February 17, 1954, in Port Jefferson, New York to John and Mary Kanas. He grew up in East Moriches, New York, where he attended Eastport High School. After graduating, he attended the University of South Hampton where he played basketball. He ended up leaving the University to play professional baseball for the Marion Mets Baseball Club which was an affiliate of the New York Mets. He played minor league baseball for several years with his final year being down south in Texas with the Seguin Toros. After playing one season with the Toros, he finished his professional baseball career playing seven more years with the Seguin Steelers, a semi-professional baseball club, where he made lifelong friends.
In the summer of 1985, Joe met the love of his life, Sharon, at the Varsity Inn Diner in Seguin, Texas. They married on August 9, 1986. He spent most of his career in the car business and was blessed to finish with Bluebonnet Motors of nearly 20 years. Joe was always his family’s first call, as well as many others, when needing advice on life’s challenges. He always responded with optimism, kindness, and generosity. His great passions in life were coaching and attending his kids’ sporting events, playing golf with his buddies, boating on the lake with the family, going on beach and winter vacations, and most of all spending time with his grandchildren. He was known for his great cooking and enjoyed preparing the most delicious turkey and gravy for every Thanksgiving gathering with family and friends. Joe will forever be remembered for his strong work ethic, loyalty, positive attitude, and most of all, love for his family and friends.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at 11 am on February 27, 2024, at Oakwood Church in New Braunfels, Texas. In true Joe Kanas fashion and to honor his memory, feel free to wear your favorite tie. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to New Braunfels Canyon Athletic Booster Club at https://in-memory-of-joe-kanas.cheddarup.com/(https://in-memory-of-joe-kansa.cheddarup.com). Your prayers for the family are greatly appreciated.
The family would like to thank Bluebonnet Motors, Oakwood Church, and so many in the New Braunfels community for their most gracious love and support.
Please sign the guestbook at www.doeppenschmidtfuneralhome.com