John R Canavá

John Reyes Canavá, 67, passed away on November 6th, 2019 at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas. His funeral service will be held at Goodnight Funeral Home in Bartlett, Texas. Visitation will be from 9-11 AM with services at 11 followed by internment at the Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery in Killeen, Texas at 1pm

John Canavá was born on September 01,1952 in Granger, Texas to Fortino and Elvira Canavá. He resided in Temple, Texas at the William R. Courtney Texas State Veterans Home. He succumbed to Multiple System Atrophy, a form of Parkinson’s Disease, caused by his exposure to Agent Orange while serving his country during the Vietnam War.

Affectionately known by all including the strangers he never met as Johnny and Uncle Johnny or Tio Johnny respectively to his beloved nieces and nephews. Johnny lived an extraordinary life, guided by his loyalty and love of family, friends and country. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1970-1973. His many awards included the Rifle Expert Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal and Good Conduct Metal. In 1973 he was honorably discharged from the USMC as an E4 Corporal.

Johnny loved the outdoors whether it was fishing or keeping up his family home in Bartlett, Texas. He loved to cook, play the guitar, listen to music, sport a bandana and ride Harley Davidsons. It was always difficult to differentiate his life long friends from a stranger he just met. He tended to those around him and always had a word of encouragement that started and ended with his signature smile that embodied love, understanding and a hint of mischievousness. He remembered birthdays and always took the time to call and let you know he was thinking of you. He was never too busy to chase down a hug at a family gathering or tell you how beautiful you were to him. His thoughtfulness and generosity were his gifts to all who were Blessed enough to have known him. The resiliency and courage he exemplified during the most difficult times in his life are an inspiration to all who love him. His life and remembrance will always be synonymous with compassion, exuberance and selflessness. He now rests in Heaven and will always remain in our hearts.

Johnny is survived by his sisters Elisa Reyes Canavá of Kempner, Texas and Stella Fuentes of San Antonio, Texas, 29 Nieces and Nephews, 52 Great Nieces and Nephews and 34 Great Great Nieces and Nephews, Daughter, Tammy Estrada, Son-in-law, Joseph Estrada, Granddaughter, Samantha Estrada, Grandsons Jacob Estrada, Joseph Estrada, Eric Estrada and Andrew Estrada, all of Orange, California. He is preceded in death by his Parents, Fortino and Elvira Canavá, his sisters, Eugenia Garza, Romana Canavá and Margaret Villareal, his brothers, Ruben Canavá and Albert Garza, his Niece Elizabeth Ramirez and Nephews Joe Villarreal Jr and Carlos Villarreal.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his name to MultipleSystemAtrophy.org