Joe Michael Kana

Joseph Michael (Joe Michael) Kana, surrounded by his family, went to his Lord on July 3, 2015. He was born November 13, 1944 to the late Joseph (Jack) and Henrietta Kana in La Grange, Texas. Joe graduated from La Grange High School in La Grange, Texas, attended University of Texas, and graduated from St. Edwards University Austin with a degree in Business Management. From there he went to Officer Training for the US Air Force and was inducted in 1964. He served his country in the Medical Service Corps: hospital Administration reaching the rank of Major, served in Vietnam, and several positions in the States. While stationed in Washington DC, he earned a Master's Degree in Hospital/Medical Business Admin, then back to Wilford Hall, San Antonio, Texas where he met his wife, Nan Blankinship. After their marriage he had to accept another overseas assignment of 2 years at Wiesbaden Germany; completing the last of his 23 Air Force years back in San Antonio in a Tri-Service position with the Army and Navy to design the field hospital units (MASH) which were first used in Desert Storm. Following retirement from the Air Force he took a position again in hospital admin. in Greenville, Commerce hospitals. While there he joined a Lion's Club group which became a driving force in his life. After leaving the Greenville group, he assumed the overall position of maintenance director in the Lancaster School District, where he remained for 6+ years. He was then elected to serve on the LISD school board as President. He finally retired to take full time care of the Val-e-Vue Ranch in Corsicana, Texas. Taking care of dogs, pecan trees, cattle, donkeys, and goats was a joy for him, even the fence building and mowing was not really a chore. He would just drive to the pasture with his "little man" Rusty beside him in the truck, Kobe, Briley and Barbie running alongside. He held many positions in the Lion's Club in Commerce, Lancaster and Corsicana, serving as president at least 5 times. He was also an active member of the VFW, American Legion and Knights of Columbus. He loved fishing and hunting with his family members. Baseball was his favorite sport from childhood and he briefly played in the La Grange Demons an amateur league, with his 1st cousin, JP Kana. Joe was preceded in death by his brother, Donnie; sister, Joan Hart. He is survived by his wife, Nan Ellen Blankinship Kana; children, Chris Kana and wife Angela, Brian Kana Johnson and wife Kim, Becky Sims and husband Jeremy; grandchildren, Ashlyn Kana, Danica and Parker Johnson, Savannah and Addison Sims; brother, Richard Kana and wife Susan. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews; special friends, Jim and Martha McCarter along with other close friends and extended family members. Visitation with his family will be Tuesday, July 7, 2015 from 6 - 8 pm at Griffin - Roughton Funeral Home. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held 9:30 am Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery. A memorial service will be held 1:00 pm Wednesday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Corsicana. Pallbearers will be Brian Kana, Chris Kana, Jim McCarter, JP Kana, Ray Wossum, Adam Kana and Ryan Kana. Honorary pallbearers will be Corsicana Noon Lion's Club members. In lieu of flowers the family request donations to the Diabetes Association, Lion's Club Children's Camp; Child and Family program at Westminster; Alzheimer's Association or one of your choosing.

Joe Michael Kana

November 13, 1944 - July 3, 2015