Bryan Allen Paenitz

Bryan Allen Paenitz, age 57, of Elgin, Texas, passed away on December 1, 2025. Bryan was born on April 13, 1968, in Bastrop, Texas, to Delbert and Connie Huff Paenitz.

Bryan was a hardworking, dedicated, and deeply loving man who poured his heart into everything he did. He had a lifelong passion for farming and gardening, and he especially loved caring for his animals. After many years with the University of Texas MD Anderson Research Center in the Dept. of Veterinary Sciences and in the Maintenance Dept., he went on to join the Elgin Independent School District, bringing the same dedication and work ethic to his role there.

He was preceded in death by his father, Delbert Paenitz; mother, Connie Huff Paenitz of Elgin, Texas; brother, Steve Paenitz of Kentucky; brother Lonney Paenitz of Elgin, Texas; brother-in-law, Harold VanRaden and niece, Jennifer VanRaden of Kasilof,, Alaska; and nephew, Jade Bowling of Cedar Park.

Bryan is survived by his wife, Erica of McDade, Texas; sister Kathy Bowling and husband Kenny of Cedar Park, Texas; sister Melissa VanRaden of Kasilof, Alaska, and sister, Shannon Bailey and husband Jim of Cleburne, Texas; nephews, Raleigh Paenitz and wife Lindsey of Seffner, Florida, Bradley VanRaden of Kasilof, Alaska, Grant Bailey of Cleburne, Texas; nieces, Mindy Flake and husband Jeff of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, Taylor Gordon and husband Grant of Joshua, Texas; as well as five great-nieces; aunt JoCarol Kemp and husband Allen; cousins, Philip Nolan and wife Rachel of Gainesville, Texas and Kathleen Barteau and husband Chad of Gainesville, Texas.

A memorial service will be held for Bryan this Friday, December 5, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Elgin Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 225 Lexington Rd, Elgin, Tx. 78621. Following the service, the family invites you to join them for a time of food and fellowship at the McDade Baptist Church fellowship hall at 7:00 PM, located at 198 El Paso St in McDade.