Joe A. Vana, 77, of Gonzales departed from us to be with our Lord on Tuesday, February 18, 2014. He was born April 8, 1936 in Praha, Texas to Frank and Mary Okruhlik Vana. Joe is preceded in death by his parents and twin sister, Mary Teresa Novak. He married Earline Marie Dierschke on May 17, 1958 in Moulton, Texas. Joe s joy was interacting with people of all walks of life. He never met a stranger, always having a smile on his face, a story to share or offering his shoulder to lean on to brighten everyone s day. This was evident during his 28 years as a route salesman for Frito-Lay and 16 years with Buffington Funeral Home. Equally important to Joe was family gatherings, playing dominoes, golfing with his wife and children and listening to polka music. Joe and Earline also traveled most of the United States and parts of Canada, Mexico, Germany and Spain. Joe believed that one should live life to serve others. This was evident by his service as an Alter Server, Lecturer, Usher, and a Eucharistic Minister at St. James Catholic Church and Warm Springs Hospital. He also participated on multiple ACTS team retreats and attended with his sons and a son-in-law. Joe was a devoted member and leader of the Knights of Columbus, serving 2 terms as Faithful Grand Knight of the local council, District Deputy for 4 years, and as a 4th Degree Faithful Navigator. He also served as President of Catholic Life, and was an early supporter of Future Farmers of America. Joe is survived by Earline, his loving wife of 55 years; his siblings Frankie Vana, Catherine Cerny, Gabriel Gabler and Julius Vana; his 5 children: Karen and her husband, Kent, of Wimberley, Geraldine and her husband, Lynn, of Forney, Dan and his wife, Jennifer, of San Antonio, Betty and her husband, Andy, of Brentwood, Tennessee, and Greg and his wife, Leslie, of Sachse; 10 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus Council #5090 Scholarship Fund / 5454 US Hwy. 90-A East / Gonzales, Texas 78629, or to your charity of choice. A Rosary will be recited at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 20, 2014 at Buffington Funeral Home Chapel in Gonzales, led by the Knights of Columbus. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, February 21, 2014 at Saint James Catholic Church in Gonzales, with Father Paul Raaz officiating. Interment will follow at Saint James Catholic Cemetery.