Donald Wayne Anthis

Donald Wayne "Don" Anthis, age 80, was welcomed into his eternal home with Jesus Christ, his Lord and Savior, on July 17, 2025. He was a beloved husband, father, brother, Granddad, and friend.

Don was born on February 9, 1945, in Muskogee, Oklahoma, to Hank and Janet Anthis. He was raised in Houston, Texas and graduated from Smiley High School in 1963. He graduated from East Texas Baptist College (now University) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1967, and a master's degree in business at West Texas A&M in 1969. It was at ETBC where he met and married the love of his life, Jo Kathie Justus, on April 8, 1966. His love for the university continued as he served for 25 years on the ETBU Board of Trustees.

Don was a friend to all and never met a stranger. In his CPA practice of 40 years, Don will be remembered for treating clients like family, having Bible studies with his employees, and being available night or day for them. In the community, he served on multiple bank boards, and Harris County Pct 4 Advisory Board. He loved being a coach in kids' youth sports, community swim teams, and Boy Scouts.

Don loved all sports (Oilers, Texans, Astros, Houston Cougars, and ETBU Tigers, where he played baseball) and because of this passion, he patiently taught Jody about football, basketball, and baseball, and she began to enjoy it too. And Jody brought culture into his life through her love of music. As Granddad, he took the older grandsons duck hunting and fishing, plus numerous baseball games. Likewise, he did the same for the younger grandsons.

As a 40-year member of Champion Forest Baptist Church, Don served faithfully in many roles-including deacon, teacher, youth ministry, serving on multiple committees.

A large man with a large laugh, a pocket full of practical jokes, and wonderful stories and jokes to bring laughter to a room. He was widely respected and loved for his genuine desire to help people from all walks of life. He wanted everyone to know and experience the joy of a transformed life through Jesus Christ as their Savior.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Jo Kathie Anthis; brother Thomas Keith and wife Sandra; daughter April Barcello and husband Jay; son Stephen Anthis Tewalt and husband, Rod Tewalt; son Michael Anthis and wife Jessica; grandsons Dalton and Hagen Barcello and Micah and Lincoln Anthis.

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Tuesday, July 22 at Klein Funeral Home Champions location (16131 Champion Forest). A celebration of life funeral service will be held for family and friends at 2pm on Wednesday, July 23 at Champion Forest Baptist Church Champions campus (15555 Stuebner Airline). Reception follows at 3pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Don's name to the Champion Forest Residency Program in honor of Damon Shook (who served as Senior Pastor of CFBC for twenty-eight years).