Leon "Red" Kahanek Jr., 80, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2012. He was born on June 27, 1931 to Leon Louis and Beatrice Appelt Kahanek in Hallettsville. He married Emogene Adams on February 12, 1961 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Hallettsville. He served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Red attended the University of Texas and then went on to the University of Houston where he received his Pharmacy Degree on June 4, 1958 from his father who was the President of the State Board of Pharmacy. He joined the family pharmacy and worked alongside his father at Kahanek & Renger Drugstore in Hallettsville.

Red was on the Consulting Board of Lederle Pharmacy. He was a life member and District Chairman of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and San Antonio Fat Stock Show; member of Quarter Horse Association, and an honorary life member of the FFA and 4-H; a past officer of the Rotary Club; a member of the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and the Hallettsville Volunteer Fire Department. In his later years he was a member of the Hallettsville Developmental Industrial Corporation. He carried on the work that his father started as one of the originators of the State Championship High School Rodeo. Every June, Red and his family would entertain dignitaries such as governors, state representatives and many others.

He loved going to his ranch every evening checking on his cattle and horses. He spent countless hours at the ranch with his sons and grandchildren fishing, hunting and working cattle. He also enjoyed attending his sons' and grandchildren's sporting events. Holidays were a big celebration when all the family gathered and enjoyed being together.

Red is survived by: 2 sons, Leon Kahanek III, and Robert Kahanek & wife Karen, all of Hallettsville; 4 grandchildren, Kindell DeFour & husband Damien of Katy, Braden, Kade, and Kingsley Kahanek of Hallettsville; 2 great grandchildren, Peyton & Crew DuFour.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Betty Jean McMillan, infant sister Mary Bea, and wife Emogene.

The family of Red Kahanek would like to thank all of the family and friends for their love, support and prayers. A special thanks to Accolade Hospice and Hallettsville Nursing & Rehab for their care and love.

Funeral Mass Service: 3 pm, Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Braden and Kade Kahanek, Damien DuFour, Dennis Shorty Repka, Tommy and Randy Adams, Clayton O'Neill, and Garett Manning. Honorary Pallbearers: Kingsley Kahanek, Kindell, Peyton, and Crew DuFour. Burial: Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Accolade Hospice or Donor's Choice.