Joseph J. Kazmar, 81, Orange

Joseph J. Kazmar, 81, of Orange, Texas, passed away on August 17, 2023, peacefully at home.

Memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2023, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Visitation will begin prior at 1:00 p.m., Monday, August 21, 2023, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

Born in Schenectady, New York, on October 28, 1941, he was the son of Joseph W. Kazmar and Genevieve (Urban) Kazmar. When Joseph was young, he was a part of the Schenectady Little Leaguers. In 1954, the little leaguers won the World Series and that began his love of sports. Joseph received a scholarship to McNeese for baseball and played minor league baseball with the Chicago Cubs organization. He retired as a fleet and lease manager from The Orange GM and Toyota Dealership. Joseph wrote a sports column “Kaz’s Korner” for the Orange Leader for many years and later moved to the Opportunity Valley News and most recently the Orange County Record. He helped broadcast the Friday night football games with Richard Corder for KOGT for about 20 years. When he was not working, he loved golf and played tournament bridge, as well as fishing and bi-weekly poker with his friends. Joseph loved to save money and was big into couponing. He loved spending time with his family by playing board games. Joseph had a huge heart and made sure everyone was always taken care of. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew this wonderful man.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Kathleen “KK” Kazmar; and parents, Joseph W. Kazmar and Genevieve Kazmar.

He is survived by his wife of 46, Susan Kazmar; children, Karen Kazmar Smith, Cathy Whitehead, and Denise Bybee; grandchildren, Ryan Smith Potter, Logan Joseph Smith, Jennifer Whitehead, Shannon Whitehead, Leah Ryder, and Josie Ryder Kohler; 2 great-grandchildren; brother, Richard “Dick” Kazmar; sister, Roberta “Bobby” Wechter; as well as other loving family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate/.

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.