Johnas Gene Minshew

Johnas Gene Minshew passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was 50.

Johnas was born March 2, 1975, in Killeen, Texas. He graduated from Copperas Cove High School in 1994. In 1993, he met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Stefanie Lee. The two shared a lifelong bond and were married Jan. 30, 2002, building a marriage rooted in loyalty, love and unwavering support.

A proud and hardworking businessman, Johnas was the owner of JM Excavation, a company he built through determination, integrity and an unmatched work ethic. He took great pride in his work and the relationships he formed along the way.

Above all else, Johnas was a devoted husband and an incredibly proud father. His greatest joy came from making his children’s dreams a reality. He supported his daughter, Shalyn Lee Minshew, every step of the way through college, proudly celebrating her graduation from Texas Christian University in May 2025. He was equally proud of his son, Colby Gene Minshew, whom he helped pursue his dream of playing collegiate baseball at Eureka College in Illinois, where Colby is currently a sophomore.

In his free time, Johnas loved hunting and fishing, but his true passion was feeding people. He found joy in cooking for family, friends and neighbors, always making sure no one left hungry. His kitchen was a gathering place for many — including Amanda, Katy and Chase Brock, whom he lovingly considered family; Colby’s friends and teammates; and countless others who were fortunate enough to be welcomed at his table. He also enjoyed spending time with friends playing poker, sharing laughter and stories late into the night.

Johnas was known as a selfless and dependable man — someone who would drop whatever he was doing to help those he cared about. He lived by his word and believed deeply in honesty and integrity, often saying, “You have two things in this life: your word and your credit. If you lose one, you have nothing.” Those values guided his life and the example he set for his children.

Johnas is preceded in death by his father, Royal Gene Minshew Jr.; his paternal grandparents, Alma and Royal Gene Minshew Sr.; and his maternal grandparents, Marion and Louis Loning.

Johnas is survived by his wife, Stefanie Lee Minshew; his daughter, Shalyn Lee Minshew; and his son, Colby Gene Minshew, all of Mabank, Texas. He is also survived by his brother, Waylon R. Minshew, and his wife, Christine Minshew, and their children, Edith Hope Minshew, Evelyn Gene Minshew, Emerson Kate Minshew, and Elliot Charles Minshew, all of Mabank, Texas; and his mother, Maryanne Cox, and her wife, Karen Woody, of Gatesville, Texas; as well as many extended family members and dear friends.

Johnas Gene Minshew will be remembered for his generous heart, steadfast loyalty and the deep love he had for his family. His legacy lives on through the lives he touched and the family he cherished.