Steve Kazanas

KAZANAS, STEVE Steve Kazanas, age 67, of Waco died Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at a Houston hospital after a prolonged illness. Services will be held at 11:30am Friday, April 25 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel, 6101 Bosque Blvd. with the Rev. Ted Tsitsilianos officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Steve was born in Waco on July 25, 1935. He attended Waco public schools and was a 1953 graduate of Waco High School. Steve then enrolled in Baylor University, completing his undergraduate degree in business and then earning a Doctorate of Juris Prudence in 1959. As a practicing attorney of more than 40 years, Steve was a member of the McLennan County Bar Association and the State Bar of Texas. Since 1963, Steve practiced law in West. In addition to his private law practice, Steve served as city attorney for the cities of West, Gholson and Abbott. He formerly served as city attorney for the cities of Hubbard and Northcrest. In January 1992, Steve was appointed interim Justice of the Peace for McLennan County to serve the remaining term. He also served as a director and legal counsel for the Central Texas Economic Development District. Steve was also very generous in donating his time and services to individuals and organizations in need of legal counsel. As a lifelong member of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church, Steve served on the Parrish counsel in various capacities. Steve was a past Master of the West Masonic Lodge #475; Past President of the Karem Shrine Temple Motor Patrol; Past Director of the Royal Order of Jesters Court #115; Past President of the West Kiwanis Club; former member of the West Volunteer Fire Department; former Scoutmaster of the Cub Scouts and former West Little League baseball coach. Steve was a 32nd Degree Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite Bodies and Karem Shrine Temple. He was an active member of the West Rest Haven board of directors, where he served as secretary. In 1961, while attending a church G.O.Y.A. convention in New York City, Steve met his lovely wife, Anna Gionis of Jacksonville, Florida. Steve and Anna were married on December 29, 1962 in Jacksonville and were fortunate to have recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Steve enjoyed all aspects of the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and ranching. His “Double K” ranch in Penelope, Texas brought him a tremendous amount of joy and satisfaction. Steve took great pride in hosting many family and social gatherings at the “Double K” ranch. In his lifetime, Steve consistently valued his family and friends. Steve is preceded in death by his parents, Costas and Koula Kazanas, and his brother, Nick Kazanas. Steve is survived by his wife, Anna; sons, Dean Kazanas of Plano and George E. Kazanas, his wife, Kimberly and their children, Jonathan and Christopher of China Spring; brother, George Kazanas and his wife, Beverly of Hewitt; mother-in-law, Callie Gionis of Waco; sister-in-law, Katherine Kazanas of Dallas; and brother-in-law, Nicholas Gionis and his wife, Argie of Houston. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins. Pallbearers will be Dr. Chris Sermas, Jim Kazanas, Stephen Kazanas, Jim Rokas, Steve Moody and Judge Michael Gassaway. Honorary pallbearers are Tony Rokas, Harry Rokas, George Kadiz, Nick Klaras, John Paul Enders, H.T. Sexton, Rollin Khoury, Directors of West Rest Haven, Royal Order of Jesters, West and Gholson City Council. Memorials may be made to Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church or a charity of choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com by selecting obituaries. Select “Sign Memorial Guestbook” at the top of the individual Memorial. WILKIRSON-HATCH-BAILEY