Sheffield Asa Kadane Jr.

Sheffield “Sheffie” Asa Kadane Jr. peacefully went to be with his Savior on January 26, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, at the age of 81. While his family mourns his unexpected earthly departure, they find solace in the promise of the Gospel. Through Sheffie's unwavering faith in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, they take comfort in knowing he is now present with the Lord.

Born on November 2, 1944, to Sheffield Asa Kadane Sr. and Elizabeth Colwell Kadane, Sheffie grew up as the only boy in a house full of sisters. Treated like a prince and spoiled from day one, he returned that affection with a lifelong devotion to his beautiful sisters: Suzanne, Patty, Melanie, and Sally. He was their protector, and as one sister fondly recalled, their first call for the “good, the bad, and the ugly.” To know Sheffie was to have a friend; he was a man of immense generosity who lived with a heart wide open to others, always ready to give the shirt off his back. To his many nieces and nephews, he was affectionately known as the "all-time quarterback" during spirited front yard football games held every Sunday after family lunches at his mother’s house. After the games, he would often lead the children in a joyful procession to 7-Eleven, ensuring that each child left with a brown bag of candy and a cherished memory of their favorite uncle. Known for his humor, he never let an April 1st pass without a prank or a playful phone call to a family member, delighting in the joy of an April Fools’ joke. He usually got us!

Sheffie graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1963, where he was a passionate athlete, excelling in every sport he played. He pursued business studies at the University of Texas at Arlington before joining his father in the family business, Pure Ice and Cold Storage, where he proudly served as President after his father passed. He was also the managing partner of K-B Oil Company and transitioned to a successful career as a real estate agent with Ebby Halliday, where he continued to work until his retirement.

His dedication to the community was truly remarkable. Sheffie was an active member of the North East Dallas Chamber of Commerce and served on the Dallas Board of Adjustments, always seeking ways to make a positive impact. His love for the city of Dallas led him to become Vice Chair of the Dallas Park and Recreation Board, where he worked closely with the Dallas Arboretum and White Rock Lake. From 2007 to 2015, he proudly served on the Dallas City Council, advocating for both the city and his cherished neighborhood of Lakewood, which he called home for his entire life.

Beyond his civic work, Sheffie was also a proud 32nd degree Mason, reflecting his commitment to service and brotherhood.

Sheffie's greatest joy came from his involvement at First Baptist Dallas, a church that has been a part of his family for five generations. As a lifetime member, he was the warm and welcoming face at The Believer's Bible Class every Sunday morning. He would make the coffee and greet each person with a smile and a big hug, making everyone feel at home. He looked forward to reading the announcements, introducing guests, and sharing a joke each week—occasionally forgetting the punchline, which only added to the laughter and joy of the moment.

Sheffie’s greatest legacy is his family. He was incredibly proud of his family, ensuring that his 7 children, 17 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren knew they were his greatest treasures.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Donna Hensel Kadane, with whom he had 3 children; Sheffield Asa Kadane III (Shanna) of Frisco and their children, Cole (deceased), Averie, and Arden; Stephanie Kadane Heppes (Geoff) of Arlington and their children, Haley Pinard (Sean), Geoff Heppes III, and Karly Martinez (Austin); Debra Kadane Lester (Jason) of Frisco and their children, Noah (deceased), Elijah, and Jonah. He then married Deborah Sharlene Kadane, who preceded him in death by 5 days. Together they raised 4 boys over 55 years of marriage; Kyle Asa Kadane (Dottie) of Coppell and their children, Abby, Sam, and Joseph; Paul Asa Kadane of Dallas and his son, Jackson; Adam Asa Kadane (Karen) of Houston and their children, Claire and Weston, William Isaac Asa Kadane of Dallas and his children, Pierson and Gray. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Emmy and Addie Pinard, and Presley Martinez.

Sheffie leaves behind a city that is better for his service and a family that is stronger because of his love. He will be remembered for his witty humor, kind heart, and generosity, as well as for a life lived fully in the service of his Savior and his community.

We invite you to celebrate his life at a joint memorial service for both him and his wife, Debbie, at the Truett Chapel at First Baptist Church in Dallas on February 9 at 1 PM, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers please make donations to First Baptist Church in Dallas to the rebuilding of the new Sanctuary fund.