Dr. Frederick William Kanke, Jr.

Memorial services for Dr. Frederick William Kanke, Jr., 79, of Lufkin will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Brother Steve Cowart officiating. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Carroway Funeral Home.

Dr. Kanke was born July 20, 1946 in Bowling Green, Ohio to the late Hazel Sophia (Christen) and Frederick William Kanke, Sr., and died Monday, March 9, 2026 at his residence.

Fred Kanke grew up in a small farming community in Luckey, Ohio, where he resided at the family farmhouse with his parents, his grandfather, and his uncle. Fred enjoyed his youth on the farm where he spent many days helping his uncle and grandfather with farm chores. As a young man, Fred later worked at H. J. Heinz Company in Bowling Green, Ohio with his father.

After graduating from high school, Fred enrolled at Bowling Green State University where he met the love of his life, Cynthia, who would become his wife and lifelong partner of 59 years. With their young son, the couple moved to Nacogdoches, Texas where Fred began pursuing his master’s degree. In 1969, Fred joined Angelina College as an instructor of French and Spanish under the leadership of Dr. Jack Hudgins. This opportunity marked the beginning of a long and meaningful relationship with the college and the East Texas community.

In 1973, encouraged by Dr. Hudgins to further his education, Fred and Cynthia returned to Ohio with their growing family of three children so that Fred could pursue his Doctor of Philosophy at Toledo University in Toledo, Ohio. After experiencing the harsh winters of northern Ohio the family, now with four children, returned to Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas. There, Fred dedicated 42 years of his career to the Lufkin Community and surrounding counties, bringing opportunities for the people of East Texas to further their educations and trainings to include: the Fire Academy, Police Training, health and business careers, also cultural and personal educational opportunities. His idea for the Kids College continues today. He served on the board of Lufkin Dixie Youth Baseball for numerous years.

Upon his retirement, Fred held the title of Vice President of Community Services under the leadership of Dr. Larry Phillips. His legacy at Angelina College remains one of dedication, innovation, and a deep commitment to education and community advancement.

Dr. Kanke was a devoted family man whose greatest joy was spending time with those he loved. He cherished outdoor adventures with his family, including trips to the beach, camping, boating, and fishing. An avid gardener, he also took great pride in caring for his home and landscaping. Though he contributed greatly to the college and the broader community, his family was always at the center of his life. He was deeply devoted to them and loved them beyond measure.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Cynthia Wareing Kanke of Lufkin; children, Brian Kanke and wife Julie of Yancey, Christen Wilson and husband Craig of Corpus Christi, James Kanke and wife Kimberly of Houston, and Jane-Anne Kanke of Austin; grandchildren, Whitney Kanke and husband Josh Petton of Irving, Cailyn Wilson and fiancé Tyler Schneider of Willis, Kaitlyn Matula and husband Hunter of San Antonio, Colin Wilson of Austin, Addison Kanke and fiancé Zach Bailey of Houston, and Chad Kanke of Houston; great-grandchild, Conway Matula; brother, Ted Kanke and wife Susan of Henderson; sisters-in-law, Nancy Lowe and husband Dale of Austin, and Sarah Wareing of Pueblo, Colorado; nieces, Teresa Fancher and husband Walt of Denton, and Ashley Kanke and fiancé Shawn Johnson of Lake Dallas; great-nephew, Conner Fancher of Denton; cousin, Dan Swartz and wife Susan of Perrysburg, Ohio; and numerous other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother-in-law, Roger Wareing.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Dr. Frederick W. Kanke, Jr. Memorial Scholarship at Angelina College. Please make the check payable to Angelina College Foundation and write the scholarship name on the Memo line. Mail to 3500 S 1st Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901. You can also donate online at Angelina.edu/Angelina-college-foundation/. Select “Donate Now”, then select Memorials. When given the chance to write a note, put the scholarship name there.

The family will welcome friends and loved ones from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. Saturday afternoon prior to the service.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed, at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.